The 6th W

December 14, 2009 Leave a comment

The conventional formula of getting things done is to answer the 5 Ws and 1 H: what, when, where, who, why, and how.  However, you will only get mediocre results if you follow this incomplete formula.

You need the 6th W to deliver extraordinary results: Wow!

Conventional Formula

What: What is it that you want to accomplish?  If you cannot summarize it in 2 statements, then you probably don’t know what you want/need to do.

Why: Why do you want to do it?  Without understanding the purpose/motivation behind what you are trying to do, you probably won’t be able to follow through your plan.

When: By when do you want to get it done?  Yes, you have a burning desire to get it done and you know what it is all about, but if you don’t set a timeline for yourself, you will just procrastinate, and you will never get it done.

Where: Where are you going to do it?  Are you going to start a software company?  If so, perhaps you want to consider the Valley since it is where all the technology venture capitalists and elite engineers are.

Who: Who do you need on your team to make it happen?  If you are not so good at programming, and you want to start a software company, you better recruit some really good programmers for your team.  Also, you may want to consider those who can mentor you or connect you to the right people.

How: Now, put all the pieces together and construct a reasonable plan!

The 6th W

So, that’s the conventional, incomplete formula.  It sounds pretty promising and it is what everybody is doing; hence, if you only follow this formula, you will only get mediocre results.

What separates great from good is the burning desire to strive for the 6th W — Wow!

Wow: The 6th W is the extra step for one or more of the above.  For example, instead of making a local computer shop, you made the world’s biggest online retail store.  Instead of hiring a great product development manager, you recruited the CEO of Google to run your start-up.  Instead of making the next-generation iPhone in 1 year, you made it in 6 months.

The recipe is simple — get creative, challenge conventional wisdoms, and say NO to naysayers!

You will need a lot of faith and courage along the way because you will encounter rejection and disappointment from time to time.  Nevertheless, if you preserve and keep pressing forward, you will master the 6th W — everything you touch thereafter will naturally prosper.

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Do you want to deliver extraordinary results?  Look for the 6th W!

Filed under Leadership & Inspiration

About Daniel Chu
“Success is to drive and continually shape the excellence in you and around you” – Daniel Chu Born in January 1st 1983 in Taipei Taiwan, Daniel Che Yi Chu moved to Ontario Canada by himself at the age of 14, seeking for better education. In 2007, Daniel obtained his Honor Bachelor of Science (with distinction) in Computer Science (Software Engineering) from the University of Toronto, St. George campus. Currently an IT Project Manager at TELUS, Daniel is leading teams with up to 15 members and managing budgets between $100K-$800K, facilitating a $900M deal with the Quebec government (http://bit.ly/17A6tu). Since graduation, Daniel joined TELUS’s Leadership Development Program (http://bit.ly/bLnKD), which gave him an opportunity to explore different professional roles, such as a Business Analyst, Developer, IT Project Manager, Human Resources Project Manager, and Strategic Advisor. Continued to grow, Daniel joined Toastmasters in 2008, and obtained both the Competent Leader and Competent Communicator designation in 2009. Also in 2009, Daniel was nominated and elected President of his Toastmasters Club (http://www.telespeakers.com). Daniel is a committed Christian who is also a committed volunteer at Big Brothers and the Crisis Center. He helps the Crisis Center deliver suicide prevention workshops at Vancouver’s high schools. Daniel enjoys various activities, such as swimming, playing basketball, and bowling. He also enjoys reading and writing.

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