Choices
“Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.” Michael Porter
This week we are discussing the choices that we constantly consider and make. Whilst this is true for each and every one of us – those of us who run our businesses also need to consider this important fact and as with us individually, this drives the business forward and becomes our personal point of difference.
This also impacts on the time that we take out of our daily life to invest into the causes that we are passionate about. For me, I give my time to a local organisation to sit on their Board and also their clinical governance meetings. And yes, whilst I am provided a stipend for doing so, this does not amount to the time I provide reading and participating in the meetings and outside meetings if warranted, such as resident meetings and so forth.
The same with education, networking and professional development. These also need to be considered, not only from a financial point but the investment of other resources, such as time and weighing this all up.
As a business owner, I am fortunate that I do not need to liaise with others to work this out, however, behind the scenes, I am wearing all the hats whilst I struggle to find the right choice and trade-offs!
The reason that I am writing this today is because it really strikes home at the moment. Due to conflicting interests and opportunities, I have taken two mornings off my work schedule. Both for a meeting that I committed to when I joined the Board (in which meeting times have been altered) and for a networking/training opportunity that I am very interested in. Then throw in a Public Holiday next week and another day of work have been wiped out. Happy to say that I have taken the Public Holiday opportunity to make a mini holiday, so a strategic win in my books; limited bookings versus time away relaxing?
Another decision that was made recently is the opportunity to attend a conference locally. A conference that I attended over ten years ago in Tasmania. A supervisor at the time suggested that all training and conferences should be far away, however, it is also nice to have them in our backyard as then we don’t need to take extra time for travel!
Decisions and choices are made on a daily basis. Hoping you are getting some great choices to choose from?
PS: the photo is of the updated reception with a table and chairs to host group supervision or gatherings. Note the old data spaghetti has gone and Aunty Barb’s painting is finally installed after many years.