WIN

To operate from a position of integrity we must have discipline to optimize our finite resources (in this case time, energy, focus). Brian Johnson equation review…

(time x energy x focus x “what is important now”) ^ consistency.

We covered the power of consistency, let’s unpack the “what is important now” (aka WIN). About 20 years ago the Coast Guard used Steven Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” for professional development (I am still a fan of the habits). Covey grouped activities into four quadrants: Quadrant 1, urgent and important tasks; Quadrant 2, not urgent but important; Quadrant 3, urgent and not important; and Quadrant 4, not urgent and not important. This is a simple model to explore “what’s important now.” 

The WIN is creating space to operate in quadrant 2 (not urgent but important), which is where the bulk of professional and relationship development occurs.

Our aviation proficiency and our ability to develop other’s proficiency falls squarely into quadrant 2, allowing us to excel in our mission, which is typically quadrant 1 (urgent and important).

Relationships and mentoring also fall squarely into quadrant 2 (not urgent but important).

Never the less, our organization exists to serve in quadrant 1 and because responding to crises has been baked into our culture for two centuries, we tend to operate mostly in the “urgent” column to include prioritizing urgent and not important (quadrant 3) activities.  This is what is referred to as the “undisciplined pursuit of more” or “If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.” This high volume approach makes us average to below average at everything. We need to accept being average at some Q3 activities so we can be exceptional in our Q1 and Q2 activities. 

Here are some specific recommendations for military officers to create space for more Q2 work by increasing efficiency and avoiding Q3 and Q4 activities (most learned the hard way):

1. Invest in the “blocking and tackling” of “officership” (e.g., evaluations, awards, investigations, recommendations/packages for others, important resources for our folks – assistance grants, tuition assistance, etc.). Learn to do these reoccurring tasks efficiently and effectively as early in your career as possible.
2. Create processes in your collateral duties so you can complete repetitive administrative tasks efficiently.
3. Create processes in your airmanship study through study aids (notes, diagrams, flow charts, flashcards, question banks, etc.) continue to revise and refine these products throughout your career.
4. Have a prioritized list of your tasks and projects. Refer to this list regularly as you and your manager consider new tasks. This helps actively steer your team away from quadrant 3 (urgent but not important) and quadrant 4 items (not urgent and not important) to make room for Q2 (not urgent but important).
5. Be inquisitive and ask questions. Help managers avoid the undisciplined pursuit of more. Ensure the value of the additional work your team takes on is quantified, that it is has the right “why,” and is prioritized appropriately.
6. Volunteer for work that combines your passion and talents to fill a need. Passion, talents/gifts, to fill a need in service to others is the recipe for the “magic sauce” that results in fulfilling work and lasting contributions. Additionally, this work will connect you with mentors on a similar path, enabling you to be an outstanding example of leading and operating from a position of integrity.

In Coast Guard aviation, making room for more Q2 tasks is a challenge for our junior and mid-grade enlisted aviators. These members serve as aircrew but they also do the bulk of the helicopter maintenance and sound helicopter maintenance is undoubtedly a Q1 or Q2 activity. Supervisors must make room for our maintainers’ Q2 aviation study during their shift and, likewise, members must make time outside their shift for aviation training. I believe we are privileged to do this work and with great privilege comes additional duties and responsibility.  

Even if you are not in the military, I am sure some of these tactics can be adjusted and applied to your work. Deeds not words! Let’s create the space to spiral up in Q2.