Hello, Testing Microphone

“Hello… testing microphone… tueh tueh.”

If you grew up in certain parts of the world, you already hear it. A tap on the mic.

A loud “hello.” The famous “tueh tueh.”

Sometimes a puff of air for good measure.

It was funny. It was also genius.

Before a single note was played, the performer checked the system.

Nobody walked on stage hoping the equipment would just work.

Most of us do the opposite. We walk into the year, the quarter, or the launch without ever testing the system we’re relying on.

Then we blame motivation, the team, the market, or the enemy when the sound cuts out.

Remember, we don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.

So Run Your Own Mic Check

1. Do you actually have a system?

Or do you have intentions dressed up as a plan? Intentions feel good. Systems deliver.

2. Is your environment working for you?

Willpower is a bad strategy. Design your space so distraction takes effort and focus takes none.

3. Is it moving you toward your commitments?

A system that keeps you busy but not progressing is just organized noise.

4. Is it easy enough to repeat on your worst day?

If your system only works when you feel great, it isn’t a system. It’s a mood.

5. Can you explain it?

Whatever you cannot simply explain to others, you probably don’t understand it well enough.

Chances are high that it’s just a model system, not functional.

6. When did you last test it?

Systems drift. Roles change, goals grow, and what worked at 5 people breaks at 50.

The seamless performances aren’t from the most talented people on stage. It is from the ones who came prepared but remembered to ‘check the mic first’.

So, what’s your “tueh tueh” moment? When did you last test your system?

BISOLA MOGAJI