by Rick Baker
On May 4, 2017
Strategic Planning does not have to be a frustrating, time-consuming, or boring process.
A quality strategic plan does not have to be lengthy.
After all, the real value of planning lies in 3 areas:
- the positive things people gain as they experience the process of the planning,
- the focusing of thought on efforts/action and goals/results, and
- the focusing of action people must take toward desired goals.
To accomplish (1) the process must be enjoyable, thought-provoking, open-minded and laced with active communication.
To accomplish (2) the process must be inspired and influenced by leaders' vision.
To accomplish (3) the strategies and tactics must be ‘user-friendly’, ideally ‘user-magnetic’.
PS: Many years ago, we designed the BIG PICTURE strategic planning process to simplify the presentation of plans in a 1-page summary.
by Rick Baker
On Apr 19, 2017
The Thinking Behind The Tweet
The economy would get a serious boost if 10% of business people would apply the 80/20 Rule and spend more time doing work directly linked to building value [planning the work and working the plan] and less time fighting fires.
by Rick Baker
On Mar 23, 2017
In his audio-book 'Die Empty' (2013), Todd Henry talks about 3 types of work and 4 types of people.
I find his concept useful as a Seek Simple tool.
This concept provides a new perspective on Spirited Leaders' philosophy: Business Contains Only 3 Things - People, Processes, & Situations.
According to Todd:
- Mapping includes work such as strategic planning
- Making includes the work of delivering products and services, creating value
- Meshing includes self-development work and work Spirited Leaders define as borrowing brilliance [putting curiosity to work]
and Todd sees 4 'productivity profiles'...
- Developers are people who engage in all three types of work
- Drivers are people who do Mapping and Making work but no Meshing work
- Drifters are people who do Making and Meshing but no Mapping work
- Dreamers are people who do Mapping and Meshing work but no Making work
Here's a Spirited Leaders' conclusion, based on observing hundreds of local business leaders: many business leaders struggle with Meshing work. And, coupled with this, many business leaders fail to understand the importance of Meshing work so not only do they not do it themselves but they also fail to inspire their followers to do it. As a result, many business people fail to grow to the point where they are able to put their talents to full use. Also, without the benefit of Meshing work many business people struggle with handling change let alone leading change. These people-process shortfalls explain why many businesses cannot keep up with their competition.