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A Call To
Action
In a recent magazine article I quoted the 1999 book,
Flawed Advice and the Management Trap, by Harvard professor Chris Argyris,
which addresses the problem of converting catchy slogans into tangible results.
Argyris' premise, plain and simple, was that far too much popular wisdom simply is
not actionable.
For my first message of 2005 I think it only appropriate to talk about
action. In the first quarter many of us announce grandiose plans for the
upcoming year. Great. Now, what are we going to do to make those plans come
true?
Here's an oversimplified goal representative of much so-called
strategic planning. Doubling sales over the next twelve months. Sounds
terrific! Now, how? And by the way, will that mean double profits? Is that what
you wanted to accomplish? Or do you really want to double market share? It will
be tough to do both; which did you have in mind by doubling sales?
I think goal setting is terrific. Planning is a most worthwhile exercise, if
followed through. Set those goals; make those plans, but while doing so make
sure that your planning really includes the "how-to" of reaching your goals.
After laying out the step-by-step actions needed to convert your plans
into reality, ask yourself, "Am I really willing to put forth the effort
involved? Do I have the time? Will everyone else in the organization be as
willing, or able? Will the final result, which sounds so good as a New Year's
sound bite, even be worth the effort required?"
Sometimes we should
throw practicality to the wind and reach for the sky. It is the job of top
management to inspire the organization to achieve beyond its collective wildest
dreams. Just remember that the root of the word leadership is: lead.
Sometimes the leader is that stellar performer who instinctively knows
the best route to take. More often, the leader is nothing more than the guy
with the map. As we plan our journey through the next twelve months, let's all
remember to pack a map.
Steve Johnson, President
Copresco
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