We prepare for something based on the perception that our preparation will directly affect our performance. The more we can learn about our positions, expectations, student needs, communication styles, our own strengths – the more in tune our perceptions will be about how to perform when we are doing our job. False or mistaken perceptions will have a direct impact on how we perform and how we prepare.
For example, if we believe that people expect us to duplicate what the person in our position did the previous year, our effort will be built around the perception "How did "so and so" do it?" rather than, "How can I best use my strengths and abilities to create the best event ever?" Perception moves the Performance target and changes the direction of our preparation. (Note, I use the word perform to mean the various work, tasks, and interaction that we have with our fellow students, not trying to fulfill some role as an entertainer where others merely spectate.)
How To Prepare:
1. Consider other perspectives besides your own.
2. Be able to communicate and simplify various perspectives.
3. Apply things to memory.
4. Get to the point where you know what your response will be in certain situations. Know the next appropriate action.
Often we don’t prepare properly. You may be in charge of leading a small group of students, getting ready for an activity, or organizing a roster of clubs. Throughout the week your schedule overwhelms you and you find yourself scrambling to even show up. You quickly skim your responsibilities and rush into each situation, hoping to make the best of it. These kinds of things happen. But if they happen all the time, we fail in a few areas:
1. We show a lack of respect.
Your time is important, but so is the time of your people. The old saying goes, “When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” Every moment spent in preparation will show your people that you value both them and their time.
2. We miss opportunities.
When we’re prepared, it provides more options for us. We have a greater awareness of what’s going on around us because we aren’t as focused on the things we weren’t ready for. Plus, preparation allows us to be more creative.
3. We do not grow.
Lack of preparation forces us to fall back into old habits or familiar ways of doing things. When we prepare, we open ourselves up to new ideas and new opportunities. Proper preparation helps us to break through some of our own comfort zones. We are better able to stretch our own learning.