Some people like to build momentum by moving from smallest problem to biggest problem. If this works for you and you're happy with the results, keep doing it.
Other people find that once they start with small problems or easy to do tasks that they get stuck there. It becomes too hard to move forward. If this is you, you're probably ready for something different.
How about going right for the biggest payoff?
When I worked at GE we used a tool called the Payoff / Effort matrix. With so much to work on, we used this tool to determine where to start. Should we put extra effort into something that would provide little payoff? Clearly, not when the same effort could produce more payoff in another area.
Solve the problems that provide the biggest payoff first.
Not only will you get your biggest problem solved, but you will likely find that you now have more resources and energy to solve other problems.
Of course, you may then discover yet another, bigger, higher payoff problem ready to be solved. That's good news. That's called development.
What's your highest payoff area of opportunity? What can you do to work on it today?
-- Douglas Brent Smith
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