When writing goals, the focus is on what we want to be different, how things will be improved and the areas we want to tackle in the upcoming quarter or year. However, it’s important to not overlook what you really want to remain consistent. Things that have enabled you to be successful this year and in the past might be taken for granted.
Doing the same things and expecting different results is the accepted business definition of insanity. But more than that, doing the same things and expecting even the same acceptable results may be a lot to ask. Things change. People change. Things do not stay the same. People are not machines and consistency must be purposefully planned for.
What are the core components of your success that you need to remain consistent in 2012? What is it about your approach, your systems, your customer service, your processes and your values that are the keys to your success? Do you know?
When writing your goals for the upcoming month, quarter or year, take an inventory of what you consider to be your keys to success, identify the most important components, and determine what it is that will ensure continuity.
What is it that has brought you success?
- If it is a single key employee that makes things happen, cross-train others.
- If it is the way a process is running, document it, create checklists if necessary and ensure your team knows how important how they are doing things really is.
- If it is the connections the owner, managers or key employees have nurtured, pinpoint the key activities that make those possible, should a key person take on a new role or need to leave, or you wish to increase the results you are achieving.
- If it is your management team’s ability to make good strategic decisions, determine what makes that possible and expand the number of people with these capabilities.
If you want consistent success, the components that have made you successful need to be purposeful and routine. If creating processes or systems is not in your nature, you need to task someone on your team with those skills with the role of pinpointing and systematizing those key components. Otherwise, when a part of your success begins to slip, you try to play catch up, which may distract you from the new and exciting goals you have set for the future of your team.