If you care about your health, most likely you see your physician for a check-up at least once per year. And chances are, you also visit the dentist every six months. If you are really serious about your health, you make it a habit to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
But how do you manage the health of your business?
- Do you get annual and quarterly checkups?
- Do you make time for prevention or find yourself operating in crisis mode on a frequent basis?
- Do you maintain healthy numbers in your business?
It may be time for a checkup!
Anything that is neglected – whether it’s health or business – tends to chaos, disorganization, and decay.
If you notice any of these traits within your organization, it may be time for a checkup.
Here is a five-point checklist you can use to REACH your goals and get results.
Reflect – What goals have you reached?
As leaders, we can get so drawn into push mode that we sometimes neglect to celebrate the milestones we and our teams have reached. Take a few minutes to reflect on those successes. And, by the way, be sure to thank the team that got you there. Reflection and recognition will re-energize you and your team to push forward with new goals and objectives.
Eliminate – What goals are too far out of reach?
While it is good to set goals that are beyond our comfort zone and beyond previous levels, there are times when we set goals (or timelines) that are just too lofty. We may also set too many goals at one time. That can lead to a case of heading in too many directions and getting nowhere.
As leaders, we sometimes set these kinds of goals and then push ourselves and our teams to the point of burnout, trying to reach the unattainable. A good leader will stop and recalibrate when he or she spots employee burnout or senses frustration from having too many unmet goals.
Here is where “the rule of five” can come into play – have no more than five goals at a time. While this may seem like a small number, the cumulative effect of completing these select goals is highly impactful.
Analyze – Why is it important to reach these goals?
Anyone who has successfully lost weight knows the key is to have a compelling “Why”. Without that, the diet will fail at the first encounter with a piece of chocolate cake.
Your why must be bigger than the chocolate cake.
The same is true in an organization. To reach goals, you and your people must have a compelling why. As discussed in a previous article on employee needs, getting a paycheck is not enough of a “why” to keep employees long-term.
Take a look at that infographic again, and apply it to goals. Why is it important to reach each goal? What needs does it meet – for the company, you as the leader, the team, and your clients and customers?
If you want to successfully reach your goals, get to the compelling “Why”. (Tweet this.)
Clarify – What is your plan to reach specific goals?
According to an article on Inc.com, 92% of those who set goals fail to reach them. This means that only 8% succeed in reaching goals.
How can you be one of the 8% who succeed?
One major factor is to simply write down very specific goals. We’ve all heard (and maybe even set) some of those general goals… “One of these days, I’m going to lose some weight.”
When I hear someone say that, I know it is highly unlikely they will do it.
But when I hear someone say, “I’m going to lose 15 pounds by September 15, and I’m going to do it this way…” I know they mean business.
Business leaders and teams can get caught in the habit of setting “general goals” with no real timelines. This may be because they don’t want to suffer the repercussions of failing to meet specific goals. General goals and no timelines can feel comfortable – until the bottom line suffers and can’t sustain the workforce.
When working with your team to set goals, write them down and then set a plan in place to actually make them happen. Check in regularly to be sure milestones are being met. Review the goals daily.
Be one of the 8% who succeed.
Help – Who will help you reach the goals?
It could be your goals are off track because of two missing key components: help and accountability.
Where goals are off-track, ask yourself:
- Who can help me reach these goals?
- Who can hold me accountable for reaching these goals?
Setting up a support and accountability system increases success substantially.
How is your business health?
If you realize it’s a bit off track, that realization is a good start. The key is to take action today to get back on track, and we have a tool to help you.
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Take some time to reflect on your goals with the REACH checklist in mind.
Good health – in life or in business – starts, not just with resolution, but with a plan.
Dave Ferguson is “The Leaders’ Coach”, an internationally recognized executive leadership coach, speaker, facilitator, and author. Are you interested in having Dave speak to inspire and motivate your team? “ASK COACH DAVE” at 704-907-0171 or at Dave@AskCoachDave.com.