How Strategic is This?

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a conference for business owners and senior managers in a warm and sunny location. It was neither warm nor sunny, but at least it was not snowing!

During one of the sessions, with a couple of hundred attendees in the room, the speaker asked for a show of hands of those who had strategic plans in place in their organizations. Only a few hands went up!

This group represents the best of the best in this industry. They were an engaged bunch and were certainly not asleep during this session. The reality is that most organizations don’t take time out for strategic planning.

In talking with some of these folks, the common reasons for avoiding strategic planning were that they were too busy, it didn’t seem like a priority, and it was too complex. These high-achieving, intelligent individuals have all heard and understand the benefits of strategic planning, but the complexity and the time-consuming nature of traditional methodologies don’t work for them.

Fortunately, there’s a better way. Throughout my career, I have been intrigued by strategy questions and the impact that strategy has on an organization. I have witnessed the destruction of organizations due to a lack of strategic direction and I have been blessed to be a part of other organizations that are energized and driven by inspirational strategic goals. I know which side of the road I want to be one. Don’t you?

If your organization would like to refocus and become more strategic in its thinking, please contact me today. My firm can help.

P

Staying Focused

Have you ever felt like you’ve been literally crushed by an avalanche of demands, deadlines, and distractions. There are times when our calendars may look like a war zone, in complete disarray and bloodied by casualties. Our personal lives may be put on hold and our routines may be out of whack. Even those of us who take pride in our ability to plan and stay in control can find ourselves in this condition from time to time.

When I find myself in such a state, I find that if I follow a few simple steps to “right the ship” I can get back on track quickly.

Before spending hours strategically plotting out my calendar/emails/meetings/phone calls/etc., I like to begin with spiritual matters to peel off the layers of worldly gunk that I seem to accumulate on a daily basis. Of course, this is facilitated with fresh coffee, an English muffin, and a cold glass of ice water.

Next, I’m off to the gym for a serious cardio workout. I may run, bike, or jump on one of those elliptical-thingys. Either way, I have one goal: to sweat. I want my shirt to be drenched to the point where I have to peel it off of my back. I know that sounds gross but that is my metric. Of course, a workout is facilitated by some great music or a few inspiring podcasts on the iPod.

After that, I’m going to plan some special time with family and friends. They’ve been affected as well during the past few weeks and I’m craving to spend time with them. I have to take the initiative, though, because they just assume that I’m too busy for them and won’t approach me first. Once these plans are made, they are cast in stone. Of course, this time is facilitated by good food and much laughter.

Finally, I’m going to lock myself away somewhere quiet for several hours. This is what I’ve been craving to do since I woke up this morning. This is time for some serious thinking. It is a deep dive into my calendar, emails, commitments, goals, priorities, etc. Of course, this time will be facilitated by a Cafe Americano from Starbucks.

In a short amount of time, I’ll be back in the saddle again. My week is planned out in great detail. My priorities are clear. My mind is clear and focused. It’s a great feeling.

P