New Year, Same Challenge

It seems that we are reminded, every year, of how to stick to our resolutions. Do a quick Google search and you'll see what I mean!

Generally, the message is:

• Be Realistic: Don't plan on miracles
• Break It Down: Smaller tasks are less daunting and get done
• Share With Others: They provide accountability and motivation
• Track and Measure: Plan does not equal Accomplishment
• Adjust and Re-tool if Needed: Stuff Happens
• Celebrate Success: It is nice to be rewarded

Obvious, but most people fail to keep their resolutions because they don't stick to the steps. It's no different for business leaders, who send the wrong message and undermine their organization's success:

 

Shoot For The Moon:  The rationale is "even if you fail, you'll still reach the stars." The problem with "shooting for the moon" is you've set your standard as underperformance. What's a goal and what's merely an aspiration? Don't shoot for the moon! I don't run and have bad knees, but I walk alot. I'll resolve to run 10 miles each week rather than registering for a marathon. Aim for the star you want to reach, plan each marker along the way, and you'll get there. 

 

Just One Thing:  I once worked for a company that wanted to double revenue in 2 years. This could easily have become the mantra for Sales, with everyone else looking on. Great leaders understand that it's not "just one thing", it is everything. The goal was met because the steps to new sales were complemented by more efficient operations, higher performance standards and improved delivery. If I want to run 10 miles a week, I'll need to get to sleep earlier and eat more protein and buy some new sneakers as well: it's more than running 2 miles today so I can run 3 miles next week and 10 miles by July. 

    

Strategy and Operations: As a consultant, I spend a lot of my time in strategic planning and review meetings. Whenever there's a break, someone can be counted on to mention how they can't wait to "get back to their job". The key to achieving your plan is embedding the tracking and measuring into your operation. Performance reviews, whether individual or organizational, should not require new data or present any surprises. If I wear a pedometer on my run everyday and log my stats, I'll always know where I stand. Success doesn't lie in strategy and operations, but in operating strategically. 

Sandbagging: Many people keep their new year resolutions private to avoid embarassment if they are not met. Organizations need to share their goals with investors and clients, however, and many "sandbag" (set and communicate goals that are easily achieved). the practice has become so common that market analysts now routinely lower their "outlook" when a company's goals are too conservative. Goals require stretch. I can run 2 miles in a day today, but I have never consistently exercised more than 3 times a week. Sure, if I break an ankle and am laid up for awhile, I may need to adjust my plan. I will adjust if I need to, and celebrate if it's appropriate. I will not set my goal as 6 miles a week, though, just so I can throw a party.

Help your business keep its resolutions by aiming for specific goals, planning the steps, linking all activity to these goals and embedding the tracking and measurement in your operations. Set goals that are realistic but require a stretch and break them down.

See you on the track!