In the field of effectiveness, Peter Drucker coined the term “knowledge worker.” The toughest job of a knowledge worker is to define his or her “work.” Knowledge work can be described as one whose main asset is knowledge.
For example, what is the “work” of a manager, financial analyst, quality control specialist, software engineer, or executive coach? Answering that in a clear, concise sentence is hard.
Clarity is needed.
To gain clarity, we have to go to a higher place. It’s just like mountain climbing – the higher we go, the further we can see. We want to put things in a different context, generate unrealized ideas, or change perspective how we see things.
Good, relevant questions can do that. It’s less important to come up with the “right” or “perfect” question, and more valuable to go through the thinking process, reflecting on your intention. Just like Eisenhower said, “A plan is worthless, planning is everything.”
I invite you to take some time to plan. Here are 10 questions to get you started to gain clarity in your life and business.
- What are your five most important accomplishments you have achieved in your life that you are most proud of?
- What are your top 3 professional strengths and assets?
- What five goals do you want to accomplish in the next 12 months?
- What five goals do you want to accomplish in the next 5 years?
- What five goals do you want to accomplish in your lifetime?
- What are three factors that support your motivation and performance?
- What are the issues that limit you? What are you putting up with that is holding you back? (i.e. recurring problems, unproductive habits, disorganization, etc.)
- If you could change one thing in your life what would that be?
- What are some opportunities you currently see in your life/business?
- When you are at your best?
