Monday, March 16, 2015

Thinking About The Past; Planning For The Future

The first quarter of 2015 is nearly in the history books and a new round of planning has started. In small and large group meetings, people are coming together to discuss summer goals and how they can position the organization for a strong finish in 2015 and a good beginning in 2016. Goals and objectives are being written and rewritten. People are studying metrics and talking about alignment. Supervision and coaching are kicking into high gear.

As one who is well aware of all this effort, I am continually reminded of the following quote by Jon Madonna, retired Chairman and CEO of KPMG International: “Nothing stops an organization faster than people who believe that the way they worked yesterday is the best way to work tomorrow. To succeed, not only do your people have to change the way they act, they’ve got to change the way they think about the past.” 

Our challenge as leaders is to create a sense of urgency and clarity that maintaining status quo is more dangerous than moving forward to a whole new level of performance. When all involved comprehend that what got us to here, may not get us to the new desired outcome we seek in the future, then there will become a new level of focus and determination.

This week I encourage you to do a better job of selling the problems and clarifying the vision for the future. The combination of the two will create a solid forward momentum.

Geery Howe, M.A. Consultant, Executive Coach, Trainer in Leadership, Strategic Planning and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257

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