In the coming days I will expand on this formula to discuss key components that represent the basic building blocks for leadership development. My previous post presented the overview. Let’s get right to the details.
Step One: EVERYTHING begins with defining the IR – the Improved Result. This is critical! You must begin with a goal.
Sports analogies are so overused. Please humor me as I contribute my part. How confusing, pointless, and boring would sports be without goals?
Tennis without a net anyone?
Basketball without a goal?
Football without an end zone?
etc. etc. etc…
I’m a golfer with a high handicap. Often with certain friends we “play for fun”. No scorecard.
Invariably these friendly rounds of golf – while enjoyable time spent with my friends – result in terrible performance. There are too many reasons to list – beginning with a lack of focus, substandard effort, etc.
My life, as in golf, yields very poor results when I “play” without a scorecard. In a future post I’ll discuss goals in more detail, so enough for now. I’ll climb down off my soapbox and get back to the point of this posting.
Clearly define the improved result you wish to accomplish. Where do you want to be? While for some situations this may be a simple exercise, more complicated situations require research and analysis. If you are struggling to define your improved result, here is an exercise that may help.
1. Begin with a blank pad of paper and a pen – or if you’re so inclined – a blank document in your favorite word processing application. (most of my exercises begin in this manner)
2. Clearly describe the situation, the issue, the challenge, or the circumstance at issue. Is it your career? Finances? Health? etc. Don’t over-think this – just begin to write.
3. Develop a title for your work. This is key – review your notes from step 2 and work out a heading that captures your thoughts in a nice concise statement.
4. Now with your title firmly in mind, relax. Find a quite place (remember to bring your paper and pen as you’ll need these later) and relax. Close your eyes and kick off your shoes. Start at your toes and release all tension – imagine your toes totally detached from your feet. Continue this process up your legs, your torso, your arms, and your head. You’re looking for a totally relaxed state of mind free from everything – everything that is except that nice concise statement from step 3.
5. Now that you’re relaxed, consider a point of time in your future. And at this time in your future you are the special guest at an event honoring your achievement– your achievement with the situation you defined in steps 2 and 3 above. Your friends, family, business associates, respected mentors, and others have gathered to honor and recognize you. From your seat of honor you hear the host, a person revered in your circle of influence, announcing “And this special award goes to (your name here) for achieving _________” .
6. Savor the moment – replay this scene in your mind. Rewind and play it again in slow-motion. Enjoy each step you take to the dais to accept your well-earned honor. Listen carefully to the host colorfully describe with great admiration your achievement.
7. Open your eyes. Quickly now record on your paper your achievement as described by the host. This is your IR – your improved result.
Okay, maybe this was a bit over the top but you get the point. With your IR clearly defined you are now ready to proceed to the next step – defining the PBC. Stay tuned…
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