Saturday 9 June 2012

GTD and Beyond - Making Ideas Happen


I have often blogged about GTD and ways to keep focussed on the right activities.  I have also spoken numerous times with colleagues about the opportunities which it presents to be more productive and feel more in control.

However, it is still only a system which requires actioning to generate actual achievement.  Other authors such as Seth Godin seem to approach from the other end and start with the execution first (See, 'Ship It').

What is often missing is the middle piece, the practical advice on what happens day to day in between the system and the shipping.

I've been reading a book by Scott Belsky called Making Ideas Happen.  It suggests a focus on creative types that struggle to deliver beyond the idea, but really,  the concepts within are completely transferrable to everyone.

What I like is that it covers the process as a whole with real world advice which complements systems and approaches which I current use.  It's split into 3 distinct areas:

1. Organisation and Execution - The GTD bit
2. The Forces of Community - How to engage others to make your things happen
3. Leadership Capability - The steps you need to take to actually see it through

I really couldn't put this one down.  Would recommend this to anyone struggling with seeing it all through to the moment of achievement and success.

Please see my website at www.managingforthefirsttime.com for more techniques, tips and advice on this topic and others.