How to Start
The secret to getting ahead is getting started. — Mark Twain
Get started on what? Making a big decision
Progress takes decisions, and The Center is all about big cross-functional decisions. Good decisions eliminate meetings, cuts email threads—and makes careers (Why Are Generalists So Valuable?)
Yes, learning this takes a little trial and error. But as philosopher Mortimer Adler said, “You’re not learning anything if your head doesn’t hurt a little.”
One: Focus on a decision: the Decisions page
Look this page over and write down 1 big decision your team is facing right now.
Two: Get your peers' perspective: The Sectors page
The principles of management are universal, but applications vary by sector. It’s good to know how your peers might look at your decision.
Three: See the 1 page to get everyone on: The GMs Index (video)
The GMs Index puts on 1 screen all the standard terms, tools and practices of management. Using the standard language open up communication and breaks down siloes.
Four: Prepare for your kick-off meeting
- Pick the 2 or 3 most relevant terms from The GMs Index. This takes a little practice.
- Pick 1 or 2 of the Approved Resources (read our strict editorial guidelines)
- Draft the top 3 questions (see “3 Good Questions” in each term)
- Look for a Best Practices blog post for post-COVID updates (members)
- Share all this with your team when scheduling the kick-off
Five: Kick off
Put The Index on a screen. DO NOT start free-associating solutions before answering these questions. This saves time by getting everyone aligned, clear and focused.
- What are we trying to decide (75 words max.)?
- Do we agree on the definitions? What’s in the Approved Resources?
- Who’s going to decide?
- Refine then discuss the top 3 questions
- Pick the right decision-making tools from The GMs Toolkit (members)
It’s amazing how just getting clarity and agreement on the decision and key ideas can make the solution appear.
Six: Ask for help (info@thindex.net)
We don’t promise we’ve automated success. Big decisions are complex; everyone’s situation is different. We all need help.
Call us for ideas. Members are in Workgroups who know you. The Center is a community of life-long learners of management with the knowledge, skills and maturity to help people collaborate and succeed. Join us!

