“So, he does well on tasks that require a one month look-ahead, but he fails on tasks that require a three month look-ahead,” explained Joyce. We were discussing Phillip, her warehouse manager. Joyce was disappointed in his failure to complete longer term projects.

“So, if you ask your Manager to look at this same data, what would she say?” I asked.

“Oh, I have already discussed Phillip with her and we are on the same page.”

“So, making this assessment of a person’s Time Span is pretty evident.”

Joyce nodded, “When you put it like that, it sticks out like a sore thumb.”

“Knowing this about Phillip, how does that help you as his Manager?”

“If I look at all of his tasks in terms of Time Span, I can predict which ones he will do well, which ones he will struggle with, and which ones he will fail at.” A calm look came over Joyce’s face. “The pattern of his performance becomes predictable. I can almost plan around that. It’s beginning to make sense.”

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Our next Leadership program in Fort Lauderdale kicks off next Monday, July 16. Visit www.workingleadership.com for registration information.

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We have completed testing for the online version of our Leadership program, scheduled for September 2007. If you have an interest in this program, please reply to this email so we can make our plans. -TF