Plans without Execution are Pipedreams
“Once you realize that the purpose of your life is not to serve your business, but that the primary purpose of your business is to serve your life, you can then go to work on your business, rather than in it, with the full understanding of why it is absolutely necessary for you to do so.”
In the next few minutes I will share with you how to improve the effectiveness of your organization and bring back a sense of control over your business and your life. But you will have to be willing to make some changes. Our approach is straight forward; it starts with a clear understanding of your unique assets and your situation, specific goals for where you want to take the business, and the gaps preventing you from getting there. Then the real power comes from a feedback and accountability process that ensures that the right things actually get done – that you in fact EXECUTE.
Opportunities or Distractions
In this hyper-competitive, and information driven market, there is a constant tension between managing day-to-day operations and planning for a sustainable future. Innovations create new markets while entire industries pass away – remember the VHS tape?? The acceleration of information and opportunities creates two problems. First, how do we identify the right new opportunities to go after? Second, how do we stay focused and not drown in the details and distractions that bombard us?
One answer is a simple and repeatable process to assess your current situation; prioritize the opportunities and gaps; and a feedback system to make the necessary course adjustments to stay on track and take full advantage of new opportunities that come along.
Simple as 1, 2, 3……4
It has been said that “A failure to plan is a plan to fail.” But with things moving so fast and with leaner organizations, we often don’t feel we have the time to stop and think, let alone write it all down. Even if we do write out a Plan, how do I know we will be able to execute it? The short answer is – it takes discipline. It also helps to have some tools and support along the way. One tool is a team-base process built around answering four key questions: Where are we now? Where should we go? How do we get there? How are we doing?
Working with your team, the answers to the first three questions form the basis of a Plan that will direct and focus the ongoing operations of the entire company. Step four, How are we doing? is where the real power comes from. By including your team in the planning process, you share the responsibility with them and improve productivity as you all become united around a few key objectives. When priorities are clear and people have had a voice, they can take ownership for the results. The hardest part of execution is maintaining focus on the big issues while at the same time managing the myriad of daily responsibilities and interruptions that fight for our attention. By establishing a system of regular and structured communication across your team to review progress and address changes, they will learn to hold each other accountable and succeed as a unit.
An Army of 1
If you are not ready to take this on alone, don’t worry there are several options. You can build a board of advisors from the experts and suppliers you are currently working with. Or you can join a group of other owners/executives who will share insights and constructive feedback as you work together to move your businesses forward. These are referred to as peer groups. Either way there is help available.
Start making your dreams a reality and execute!
