Quit Throwing Money Down the Drain

Guess where I saw the binders of a new client’s past strategic plans?

On the top shelf in the utility room, next to the toilet…Seriously.

Have you ever spent a lot of time and money on a project that never got off the ground? Here’s one reason why this can happen.

Tunnel Vision.  Sometimes groups become so focused on DOING that they forget to uncover the underlying beliefs and behaviors that could prevent the success of the initiatives.  If people don’t think anything will change – even after developing the plan, guess what? It’s headed for the top shelf of the utility room and your money down the drain.

It’s critical for groups to identify positive beliefs and behaviors for the future state, as the plan is unfolding and what the end result will look and sound like.  This type of “heavy lifting” on this topic is typically ignored or by-passed in the effort to “get things done.” But it’s these very issues that de-rail projects that end up being the 3-ringed binders on the shelf.

Align Beliefs and Behaviors. When creating a vision or plan for the future, people need to think “Are my (or our), current beliefs and behaviors aligned with the future goals?”  And do we have the right structures in place to support them?

For example, if a team is envisioning a more empowered and accountable workforce, are structures for communicating performance expectations and feedback in place? Are they currently being used effectively?  If not, then what’s preventing the communication?  The forms? Is training needed? Or is there a culture of lack of accountability in this area?

What does the leadership team need to be thinking, saying and doing to create the environment to fulfill the future plans?

Marty Stanley helps organizations change by facilitating visioning and strategic planning sessions that really stick. Contact Marty at 816-822-4047  or www.alteringoutcomes.com to see how she can help your organization succeed in the 21^st century.

Be Sociable, Share!

•