100 Days

Today we’ll hear over and over again about the “importance of the first 100 days.” And, we’ll hear a range of judgments pronounced on the performance of the Obama administration.  Given the usual hype-to-bust news cycle, most of it can be ignored — and I certainly won’t add to it.  However, it is worth noting that when we set aside a specific period of time within which to measure productivity, it gives us a welcome and necessary opportunity to take stock.

I’m not advocating the mindless generation of meaningless statistics about how busy you are.  That exercise doesn’t do any of us credit.  Rather, I’m advocating periodically setting aside the time to do a private, honest inventory.  During the last 100 days, what new means of collaboration have you enabled?  What projects have you completed?  What new initiatives have you begun?  What seemingly intractable problem have you dented?

There is no magic about the 100-day period.  The secret lies in the honest assessment, which allows you to change your pace or adjust your course, as necessary.  When you don’t do this periodic analysis, you run the risk of drift.

In reality, the last 100 days aren’t your most important.  The next 100 are.  However, understanding what has just happened will better prepare you for what is to come.  And, it may even give you a measure of control over the future you create.

[Photo Credit:  BBC world service]