Serena discovers Marcus and Serena have not planned together for the upcoming conference when they each have different ideas. They blame Serena as a distraction, but she focuses on how they should manage distractions. Serena gets serious and they soon set goals and commence a short burst planning session.

Serena arrives in town two days early and discovers Marcus and Carol have not planned the upcoming conference and they each have different ideas. Marcus suggests Serena is a distraction and he and Carol make jokes about it. Serena says distraction is an issue they all need to deal with individually, and she reminds them both that she has the power to dismiss them.  Other team members comment on planning and organizing strategies. Serena sets 15 minutes for Marcus, Carol and herself to set some goals and they quickly begin making constructive suggestions and plans for the conference.  Serena reinforces that to plan effectively is to always establish how much, and by when.  

  Key Learning Points

"Being disorganized creates stress. Planning and organizing achieves results."

BE AN EFFECTIVE ORGANIZER

Don’t leave things until last minute   
INSTEAD: Set precise times for planning

Don’t get distracted
INSTEAD: Focus on outcomes

Don’t do too much at once
INSTEAD: Prioritize for best results

Don’t walk away with loose ends
INSTEAD: Control and complete your work