How good is your organization at getting things done? I’m not talking about client projects and programs as much as I’m referring to the initiatives that are on your 90-day action list. Staying on task can be a major stumbling block for gaining momentum in your business. This is a common occurrence and its’ causes can come from different directions. Let’s look at a few.
The Planning Structure
With an industry that is experiencing an unprecedented pace of change, there are many more balls in the air and guess what – none of them can hit the floor. So, often it becomes hard to work on the business when you’re knee deep in the business. What level of planning has been done? Is there a focus – a vision of where you think the business could go? And how well has that been articulated to the team, knowing full well that your team could be a team of one or of several? Is there a strategic plan that can be carved up into 30-60-90-day action plans and how well are you executing on those plans?
The Team
Assuming that there are at least two people on the team, their roles should be clearly defined and they should feel empowered to make decisions that will benefit the business and be aligned with the goals and objectives of the planning process. They should have the ability to openly communicate their thoughts and challenges to the plan. Sometimes, there is just too much to do, so how should you handle that? As busy as you may be, you must make time to work on the initiatives that you know will help your business.
The Execution
This isn’t a “seat of the pants” adventure nor is it a one-day excursion. This is about execution; review, modify and re-execute. Helmuth Von Moltke in the mid-nineteenth century said, “No operation extends with any certainty beyond the first encounter with the main body of the enemy.” Modified in today’s Military jargon its recast as “No plan survives contact with the enemy.” Modified in today’s sports culture taken from Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan ‘til they get punched in the mouth.” Whichever version you prefer, you need the perseverance to create a roadmap, evaluate your efforts, modify and re-engineer until you get it right.
What are some of the things the leaders do? Typically, they do the things everyone else says is too hard. No plan is perfect and the acceleration usually won’t occur overnight. Learn how to focus on the milestones and the incremental gains that are aligned with your targeted goals.
There is a lot involved in executing on your to-do list, and this blog post is just a start. If you’re working on improving the trajectory of your business, let’s discuss what’s in your way of making the changes your business needs – mphilie@epicomm.org or 201-523-6302. I look forward to hearing from you.#MikePhilie