WorkMatters Tips Issue #58 – November 18, 2008
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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What’s Your Plan?
It’s easy to fret about the news lately. But savvy leaders aren’t wasting time worrying. They’re immersed in planning.
Of course strategic planning should be a common best practice for any business or firm, but in reality, that activity often gets pushed aside or predictably scheduled as an annual event.
Revisiting your business and/or personal plan now is even more important. The more change in your business environment, the more important it is to revisit and rethink your plan. You must think,act and respond differently.
I recently spoke to a group of executives on this topic. One member of the audience expressed concern that his organization can’t predict what will happen in the future even one or two years from now.
If you feel similarly, you must make the best assumptions you can and build in the flexibility needed to adjust along the way. Gather your best thinkers quickly and frequently as needed.
Why plan now?
* People need a sense of control.
In many organizations, people are worried about the future of the business, their careers or jobs. Turn panic into planning to give people a sense of order and control as you navigate turbulent waters. Say, "Here’s what we can expect in the short-term…" or "Here’s what our plan looks like today…"
Be as specific as possible.
* Employees are consumed by "the work."
With too few resources in many organizations, people are just trying to keep up day-to-day. They need help seeing the new opportunities that change can bring. A plan helps them organize their efforts to move forward more effectively. Planning is a discipline that your leadership team must master to help guide the work. There’s always work to be done. A good leader consistently questions if the organization is doing the right work to lead you where you want to go.
* People are making decisions in a vacuum.
Without a plan, people will make decisions based on their own assumptions or priorities. You can improve decision making throughout the organization when people understand the plan. Give them the map, even if tattered.They’ll have a better sense for the steps ahead instead of trying to create their
own paths to reach a destination.
Determine your game plan for achieving results. As you do, open your mind to new ideas and creative approaches that you haven’t considered before. Work your plan, but be willing to change it as needed. Keep planning on the front burner, especially during these times.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it's not all mixed up.
~A.A.Milne
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*** JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ***
Looking for some great BUSINESS GIFT IDEAS for the holidays?
Get the leadership tools you need to help you and your team kick-start the New Year.
Order my new book — Take the Bull by the Horns: The Busy Leader's Action Guide to Growing Your Business…and Yourself.
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REPRINT: You may reprint items from "WorkMatters Tips" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:
Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz, author of Take the Bull by the Horns, featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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