1. Start with the end in mind.
Develop
a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. State the end results in one
sentence that even a child can imagine, understand and
remember. Consider the power of President Kennedy's goal "to send a man to
the moon and bring him safely back home within this decade". Thousands of
people did very detailed work and spent billions of dollars based on this
simply stated goal.
2. Develop a written plan.
Get
it on paper (or on the computer). Make the plan as specific as possible, in
terms of what will be done and by when.
3. Enlist support of others.
Let
them know what you are doing, and how they and others will benefit from the
results you want to produce. Invite them to lend their support however they
can.
4. Set up milestones and reporting systems.
Break
the job down into segments, and set target dates for finishing each segment.
Develop a reporting system on paper or via a good software program. Send
regular reports to people who are working on your team, or who have an interest
in your project.
5. Have a support system.
Set
up the supports you need in your work and in your personal life. Have one or
more advisors that you meet with regularly to report progress, and get advice
and encouragement. Your personal coach can be one of these key people.
6. Monitor progress and make adjustments.
Realize
that even the best plans need to be adjusted in the heat of battle. Make
adjustments quickly and respond to new opportunities or short cuts along the
way that help you reach your destination faster. If you find it difficult to
get around or through certain roadblocks, get help and advice promptly.
7. Form mutually beneficial alliances with others.
Find
out what other people or groups are natural allies and team up with them so you
can help each other reach your objectives more easily and effectively.
8. Work your plan regularly and continuously.
Maintain
a high focused activity level yourself, and get help when you need it. Don't
try to do everything yourself. Delegate as much as you can, and follow up with
those to whom you delegate work.
9. Keep your allies on your side and your enemies at bay.
Inform
your allies about progress you are making and problems you are having. Thank
them for their help. Protect yourself from important enemies by setting up and
maintaining boundaries between yourself and your enemies. Recognize that
enemies can be within you as well as about you. When you find that you are
doing things that impede your own progress, replace that activity or habit with
a better one. Ask your advisors what you personally can do better. Then put the
corrections in place.
10. Celebrate progress along the way.
Share
the glory. Recognize and thank the people who have helped you produce results.
About the Submitter:
Submitted by Ted Isensee, who can be reached at
Globecat@aol.com, or visited on the web at http://www.thebusinesscoach.com. © 2000, 2001, 2002 by Thomas J. Leonard. May be distributed
if full attribution is given and copyright notice is included.
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