Author: Mark Johnson

The top 1% understand that work always expands to fill the amount of time you make available to complete it.

In 1955, Northcote Parkinson came up with the theory that the demand for an economic good expands to match its supply. In economics, this is called “induced demands.” It’s why, for example, expanding roads rarely reduces traffic congestion because more drivers show up to fill those extra lanes.

The same is true for work, hobbies, and school.

Work always expands to fill the amount of time you make available to complete it. For example, if there are six months available to complete a project, you’ll spend six months working on it. Give yourself only one month, however, and you’ll get the same amount of work done in one-sixth of the time.

Some of my top-performing clients and associates have:

The “To-Don’t” List:

Stop doing 

Less of

Then the traditional “to-do:”

Start doing

More of

Bonus, I know a few characteristics of successful leaders: a vision that resonates; active vs. passive communication; collaboration with stakeholders; ability to assemble a team that is active vs. passive, effective, and collaborative; level-headed in a crisis; demonstrates integrity and character.

There are two ways to teach someone how to swim:

1. Showing them YouTube videos and telling them about the concept of swimming.

2. Putting them in the pool and helping them try it.

Both have a place, yet the actual experience is critical; the challenge: You might flounder in the pool awhile or discover swimming isn’t your thing and try running.

The bottom line, the top 1% know to scale, you have to let your team members swim and show you what they are capable of.

Leadership

Integrity and character

Integrity – Dependability, Honesty, Trust, Fairness, Responsibility.

Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, Citizenship, Courage.

My observation of the top 1%? There is a distinct difference: Character has a range of values whereas integrity is uncompromising.

Open Loops?

An “open loop” can be a message to respond to, a decision you must make, or anything that is pending.

By keeping these “open”, you drain your energy, willpower and limit your ability to focus.

The top 1% make it a habit to close open loops daily. The result?  Clarity, focus, and consistent decision-making.

Run the tape at the end of the day and give an account of your outcomes. The top 1% ask, “What was the best outcome I achieved today” and share it with a significant other on a consistent basis.

At certain times tunnel vision is a good thing.

Somethings are just hard.

I’ve made it through some tough situations with this one strategy: looking only a few steps, tasks, or minutes ahead.

“Doing the next right thing.”

At certain times tunnel vision is a good thing.

Automate, delegate, or eliminate.

My favorite productivity trick is deciding something is actually not worth doing.

Ambiguity

Peak performers acknowledged and accept ambiguity. Rather than being rigid and inflexible, they are ready to adapt when the unexpected comes their way.