The Strategic Question
In The Coaching Habit, Stanier distinguishes between great work (the work that you love to do, has meaning, is connected to your purpose and makes an impact) versus all other 'good work' (the work that you've got to get through, the everyday tasks, 'this is my job description' kind of work).
(For parents and family members, this also applies to us. Great work of relationship is connection, intimacy, support, influence, legacy – that kind of thing)
Stanier recommends asking the Strategic Question before accepting to do more busy, 'good' work that has little impact. The Strategic Question is this: If you are saying YES to this, what are you saying NO to?
This question is especially useful for those of us who have a very hard time saying no. (Remember the DailyWisdom on Pause Before You Promise?)
When we cannot say no, our schedules tend to get full of busy work and priorities which are not our own.
Stanier puts it very beautifully when he says: "A Yes is nothing without the No that gives it boundaries and form".
A great practice that helps with this is to say yes slowly. To pause before promising. To consider who and what is most important. To stay curious before committing.
Powerful stuff.
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