Execution 101

Are you on track to accomplish your vision and the goals you set earlier this year?  Unfortunately, most people treat their business (and personal) goals like New Year's resolutions - casually and hopefully - but with little follow-through.  I heard one leader call it his Spray and Pray methodology. Leaders who do accomplish most of their objectives have these three things in common.  

1 - Plans Are Grounded In Reality

Thoughtful consideration is given to what has happened in the past, balanced with the vision for the future.  One method I encourage is to conduct a thorough reflection on the past year's accomplishments.  Celebrate the good and address what did not happen.  Analyze where you went off track and learn from it. Finally, choose goals that you can get excited about, are not overly ambitious, and fit with your longer-term vision.  

2 - Action Plans Are Created

It's essential to break big goals down into bite sized pieces.  This can feel like pulling teeth to some people.  Make it fun and involve others for support. Have an action plan and time-line by month for one quarter at a time.  No need to go further than that. In today's fast-changing environment, it's a waste of time to plan detailed actions beyond 90 days.

3 - Results Are Reviewed Quarterly

In Good to Great, Jim Collins tells us to "confront the brutal facts."  If you had clear goals in the beginning of the year, go through them one by one and give it a rating (1-10) on how well it went. Ask yourself: What allowed for this to go so well?  What happened that I failed at this or only did it partially?  Did I over commit?  Am I still passionate about this goal or has something changed?  Do I need more resources to accomplish this?  

We are half way through the calendar year, but it is not too late to make this your best year ever! Make time in the next few days to recreate or refresh your vision and set some clear intentions.  

              

—Elaine Morris

Elaine is an executive coach, facilitator and corporate consultant. More information about her is available on her website:  www.elainemorris.com or contact Elaine by phone at 214 244-2592.