Lightbulbs, Lasers (and Flashlights)

Focus and Intensity are a CEO's weapons of choice

The fastest way to success is to march fast in a universally agreed upon direction. Focus and intensity wins in every competitive landscape I can think of.

It’s the CEO’s job to make sure the point of focus is the right thing. Nothing will destroy a company faster than marching really fast to the wrong place.

It’s also the CEO’s job to make sure the level of intensity is measured and managed. We can double time to the objective, but if we lose the entire team to fatigue on the way, that defeats the purpose.

In this way, I like to think of Lightbulbs, Lasers, and Flashlights.

Lightbulbs: Lack of Focus, Low Intensity

People on the team might have “lightbulb” tasks or roles. Low intensity tasks or work that have to be completed with little to no focus. These include administrative tasks, review cycles, and other non mission critical efforts. Lightbulb tasks, which often important, must be kept to a minimum.

We should seek to eliminate as much lightbulb work as possible in an organization.

One way to think about combatting lightbulbs from overtaking your team’s day is to hire someone who’s sole purpose is to solve these things with focus and intensity.

Lasers: Complete Focus at High Intensity

From a business perspective - this sounds great! Until you need a long vacation.

Except for software, there’s not a single system in existence I can think of that can continue on with extreme focus and intensity forever without burning out.

Lasers allow you to focus in completely, putting blinders on to the world around you. This can be beneficial in getting key work started or finished without additional noise or distractions.

Lasers are great in sprints and can accomplish great miracles of output in short amounts of time, but are unsustainable in the long run.

Flashlights: Focus and Optimal Intensity

Enter flashlights which provide relatively strong focus and a optimal intensity that can be sustained over time.

While a “laser” moment might be a double time to an objective, a “flashlight” is more of a quick time march.

The general focus of the flashlight will also allow you to see the edges of your focus and identify any opportunities that arise. Working within the blinders of a laser for extended periods of time can be detrimental to the long term success of a company

Mastering The Mix: Lasers and Flashlights

Running any business isn’t an equation. If there wasn’t some skill or instinct to it, the CEO position would be unnecessary. It’s also why great operators can run several great businesses in a row (or at a time!)

A CEO must master the timing and intensity of the company's collective efforts. Knowing when to pull out the lasers and when to wield the flashlights is a skill every CEO must hone.

This is a game of focus and intensity.