Six (6) steps for creating and implementing a winning strategy for the New Year.

A Strategy for Business
 

Here are six (6) steps for creating and implementing a winning strategy for the New Year.

1. Think through and discuss thoroughly the values and mission of your business . Review and revitalize your values and mission with a thorough discussion with team members. Ask, “What did we do last year that contributed to the mission of our organization? How did we demonstrate each of our values? What can we do next year that will improve the way we live our values and fulfill our mission?”
   
   
2. Analyze each line of products and services and set challenging goals. Carefully look over what was accomplished for each line of products and services last year. Set challenging, achievable goals for each produce and service line. Ask yourself, “Do we make a profit in each line? If not, is there another way this line of products and services contributes to the organization? Do we need to better emphasis a particular line of products and services?”
   
   
3. Determine the best model for organizing your business. The approach of a new year is an excellent time to reconfigure your organizational model. The way you divide the responsibilities for the products, services and internal support among your team members is your organizational model. Ask yourself, “How are the responsibilities distributed among team members now? Is there a better way to distribute the responsibilities for the various products, services, and internal support?”
   
   
4. Provide each team member with a clear professional assignment. Each member of a professional team is entitled to a clear assignment that spells out expectations and responsibilities. To create an assignment, ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this position? In what ways does this position contribute to the success of the business? What are the specific goals, projects, and/or responsibilities assigned to this position?”
   
   
5. See that each team member develops a workable plan of action. With each team member, individually (or together as part of a team “retreat”) create an action plan for the first three months of the New Year. With team members, work through the following questions, “What are your goals for the next three months? What resources will you need? What are your action steps? How often and to whom will you give progress reports? How will your work be evaluated?”
    
   

6. Monitor the progress of each team member. Set aside time each week to meet individually with your team members in order to receive their report. If you do not meet with team members individually and regularly, delegate this responsibility to a key leader on your team. Be sure each team members understands what is expected from their progress reports. Ask, “What results,

   actions, and problems should be reported?”
   
   

A Strategy for Life 

Your business is an important part of your life, but your life is far more than your business. A truly “winning” strategy is based on a meaningful strategy for your life. Here are three questions to consider as you evaluate your personal “life strategy” for next year.

1. What do I want to create for my life? Think about the standard of living, the financial security, the personal experiences, the lasting accomplishments, and the life style you want to create for your life. As you consider these things, ask yourself, “Am I choosing out of my own inner strength or making decisions just to please others?”
   
   
2. What do I want to create with my life? Think about the people you love, the people you serve, the greater good, and your lasting legacy. Ask yourself, “Am I fulfilling my life’s purpose or avoiding a challenge I don’t want to face up to?”
   
   
3. What do I want to create in my life? Finally, consider the core beliefs, personal attitude, character traits, and significant relationships you want to create in your life. It’s good to ask yourself, “Am I being true to my best or building a mask to live behind?
   

A winning strategy for life and business does not need to be an awkward balancing act filled with tension and compromise. You can achieve a far more steady balance if you begin with your strategy for life. What do you want to create for, with, and in your life? With a clear picture in your mind and heart, set about to build the business that helps produce and support the life you want to create.

Copyright (c) Richard Leslie Parrott, Ph.D.