Some of you may be old enough to remember Nancy Reagan’s plea to “just say no” to drugs. If only it were that easy for those who are mired in dependency. The same thing goes for strategy and other aspects of management and leadership. We often end up doing things or acquiescing to commitments that we should just turn down, or outright refuse to do. Ask yourself these questions before deciding to do something or make a commitment:

• How does it contribute to my major goal(s)?
• Do I even know what my major goals are?
• Can I delegate it to someone I trust or MUST I do it myself?
• Does it contribute to my brand, repute, mission, vision?
• Do I believe it is useful and will actually work?
• Am I just going through the motions?
• Do I WANT to do it or commit to it?
• Am I just trying to placate others?
• Am I just trying to please others, or trying to “fit in,” or doing what I believe is expected of me?
• Who is asking me to do it? Do I respect their judgment and opinion? If not, then I need to get another opinion or give more consideration to MY needs and values.

There are probably more questions to ask yourself, but I’m sure you can see where I going with these…

I’m never too busy to discuss your needs or those of anyone else you feel may benefit from meeting or talking to me. So feel free to contact me at any time!

Richard Martin is The Force Multiplier. He brings his military and business leadership and management experience to bear for executives and organizations seeking to radically improve performance, grow, and thrive in the face of rapid change, harsh competition, and increasing uncertainty.

© 2015 Richard Martin. Reproduction and quotes are permitted with proper attribution.