The Single Most Important Thing
The Single Most Important Thing
Question: What single skill would make the biggest difference in your professional life?
Answer: The ability to see what is 'the single most important thing'.
In any situation, if you can pick out from the many bits of information, the single most important thing, then you will be the one who will eventually win.
In any conversation, if you can pick out the thing that means the most to the other person, and then if you were to focus the conversation onto that most important thing, then you would win the reputation for being a great conversationalist.
And in a crisis situation, if you can pick-out the single thing that would make the biggest difference, then it will be you who will solve the problem the fastest.
In any situation, the ability to pick-out the single most important thing, is the most important skill for you to develop.
If you could always figure out what is the most important thing, in terms of the use of your time, then you would get more done, in less time.
Many people don't think about 'What is the most important thing?' Instead they think about what is the most pleasurable thing. So, rather than doing the single most important thing, they waste precious time doing easy things. They waste their time.
To find the most important thing, think in terms of hierarchies. Look at the diagram below
Imagine your problem is that you are suffering from effects 1, 4, 7 and 9.
If you could see that everything was stemming from the single root cause, then you could solve all your problems by doing just one single thing that would eliminate effects 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
For example, in 1740 British sailors were suffering from a multitude of different ills.
- swollen gums - which became soft and vulnerable to bleeding.
- joint pain.
- shortness of breath.
- swelling in recently healed wounds.
- inability to work and
- general fatigue.
The navy spent years trying to figure out what to do.
Eventually James Lind discovered that a lack of vitamins, was the cause of all these illnesses which together are the symptoms of scurvy. If lime juice was added to their diets, then all the symptoms disappeared. This was the first time that a deficiency disease was identified as a root cause of illness. And it is why the British are still called "Limies" by some Australians and Americans.
The identification of proper nutrition in order to solve multiple problems with one action is one example of what I mean by finding the single most important thing.
Always look for the single most important thing and, in any situation, try to develop a real sense of what it is.
It seems so obvious to say it, but the most important thing is 'The Most Important Thing'.
Figure out what it is for you, and concentrate on it.
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Definition: single most important thing skill
The single most important thing skill is the knack, used at work, of spotting the one point that gives the biggest gain and then putting all effort on it. It works by weighing each fact against the goal, choosing the top one, acting on it at once, and picking a new point when the scene shifts.
Show CG4D Definition
- Selects the one factor with greatest impact from many options
- Judges value by link to main goal, not ease or pleasure
- Directs full focus and action to that factor until completed
- Reassesses and repeats when goals or conditions change
Article Summary
Success follows the person who can sift many facts, spot the single most important thing and act on it; that sharp focus cuts waste, fixes root problems and turns each minute and talk into real progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is the single most important thing in decision making?
How do I find the single most important thing in a busy day?
Why does fixing a root cause solve problems faster?
How does the scurvy story show the value of one key point?
How does focusing on high value tasks boost work productivity?
What common errors hide the single most important thing in talks?
How can I train myself to pick priorities under stress?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2023 Anatomy of Work report by Asana found that knowledge workers spend 58% of their day on "work about work", leaving only 42% for skilled tasks that move projects forward. Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index said 68% of business leaders feel their teams do not have enough time to focus on work that drives real value.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Decision Making and Problem Solving
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What is the Law of Cause and Effect?
Learn the law of cause and effect and use three counter-case questions to test claims, avoid purpose myths and find the real set of causes behind any event.
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Be a Straight Thinker
Learn four simple rules for critical thinking that help you verify facts, judge source credibility, resist majority opinion bias and keep your logic clear.
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Perception Bias in the Workplace
Learn what perception bias is, why it harms teams and how to spot and stop it in recruitment. Use written criteria to cut unconscious bias and hire on fact.
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The Single Most Important Thing
Learn the single most important thing skill: spot the key point, fix root causes, cut wasted time and solve problems faster in work, talk and crisis situations.
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Key Steps to Better Decisions
Learn evidence-based steps for better decisions. Gather facts, test ideas, weigh risks, review feedback and adapt to change for ethical, confident decision mak
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