OS 032 - Leadership Skills: Setting Powerful Goals that Work

Any idea that’s held in the mind and emphasized, that’s either feared or revered will begin at once to clothe itself in the most convenient and appropriate physical form that’s available. - Andrew Carnegie (to Napoleon Hill) I dream my painting and I paint my dream. - Vincent van Gogh A person who aims at nothing is sure to hit it. - Anonymous (evernotecid://38EBC3B1-1615-450C-96F7-43B1DA086D16/ENResource/p12171)The Problem Entrepreneurs think that having a plan stifles their creativity. Musicians know that having a musical score (a strategy) and having the skills to play (implementation skills) empowers them to perform with full access to their creativity. Having a plan allows the entrepreneur full access to their creative spirit because they can use their energy and brain power to execute the plan and not be held back by trying to figure out what to do next - then doing something out of order - then having to redo it. This is not an example of good leadership. Most entrepreneurs do not have written goals. Many of those who have written goals do not have an implementation process in place. Here is a short overview of setting goals that work. The Concept By writing down your goals and objectives, you will have an action plan for success. You will have a clear picture of what you want to have happen and what its cost and benefits will be. You will know where you are going and how you will get there. Focus on exactly what you want and go for it – with conviction and determination - and you will succeed. Begin by putting your name at the top of the goals worksheet. There is a realization that happens at that moment that is the beginning of success. You are the only one who can do this. You are the only one who can take responsibility. You are the one who will have a great impact on your life and the lives of others. Write down your goals. Goals that are not written down are only dreams. Write them down and move into action immediately. Choose goals wisely. Goal achievement is one thing--what you become and what happens to you and your team in reaching each goal is another thing. Take time to think! Take time to plan! Take time to study! Don’t confuse activity with achievement. Do not just say that you will succeed. Don’t wish that you could succeed. Don’t just expect the counsel of the successful. Act on the plan yourself. The Process * Clearly define your goals. Write them down in specific, measurable terms. Establish a completion date. * Identify obstacles to reaching your goals. * Determine who’s involved in or impacted by your goals. * List all the activities or objectives necessary for reaching your goals. Group them in 90-day benchmarks if the goal is more than 6 months away. * Sequence all activities. Concentrate on a single step at a time. Walk before running. * Estimate the time necessary for each objective and the total time for the goal. * Activate key activity dates on your planning calendar. * Begin action immediately * Be persistent in your plans. Don’t let obstacles or naysayers steal your vision. * Share your goals with anyone else whom you feel will help you along the way (maybe everyone listed on your goal sheet) or the team as a whole. Goals are SMART: Specific Picture what the end result will look like.  Know what it is so you will know when you arrive. Be very specific.  The goal must be written down to count as a goal.  Otherwise, it is only a dream, which can change with a whim.