In my early consulting days, our project manager imposed a daily routine that increased our ability to focus our activities on what mattered most and allowed better collaboration with our client.

Every day, we met with the Plant Director (our mandate was to restructure operations to ensure profitability and viability) and reviewed the activities and learnings.

This routine felt tedious to us.

After a long workday of over 10 hours, adding an additional meeting weighed on us.

This was, of course, a misunderstanding of the practice.

A 360° view of progress

This daily "huddle" was called "egg timer" because we each had 2 minutes to identify progress, issues, and upcoming activities. As we were five consultants working at the client's site, this meeting had to last a maximum of 12 minutes. Hence the reference to cooking a soft-boiled egg.

We had to be "crisp" and "to the point."

Of course, the meetings were often much longer. To our great dismay!

When you're starting in consulting, some transformative activities escape you...

Indeed, these meetings clarify the day's activities and learnings, and lay the foundations for the coming day. They also ensure that participants are aligned and that issues are discussed.

Without formality, this review ensures that activities are continuously aligned with strategic priorities.

Whether in a project context, management context, or simply in the context of our personal activities, this 5-10 minute review allows for gaining perspective.

Five steps - Five minutes

Here's what to do, it's simple and effective:

1. Identify the key accomplishments of the day, the results, and the progress.
2. Highlight the issues and difficulties encountered. Reflect on options and opportunities.
3. Report on the learnings.
4. Be clear on what is planned for the next day.
5. Communicate as needed with the relevant stakeholders.

Integrating this practice requires a certain rigour because, as I mentioned, doing this at the end of the day requires one last effort. However, the clarity gained allows for continuing the next day's activities with sustained momentum.

From a broader perspective, it is possible to ensure alignment between strategic priorities, strategic and operational reviews, and day-to-day actions.

Questions to explore:

• How do you ensure the alignment of your teams?
• How often are your reviews held?
• Do daily reviews form part of your team's personal activities?

Have a good week,

Eric L'Heureux

PS. When you are ready to move forward, here are two options to propel your leadership and your organization:

1. Join our IAE-Pro Community to develop your strategic means of action (in French for now).
2. Take advantage of our support to define a clear mobilizing strategy and establish priorities with your team.