“Think about what you want. Then, align your actions every day to bring you one step closer.”
Erica was in the midst of marketing her product that was due to be released in four months. Then, something unexpected happened: she recognized an opportunity to develop a new product. During our coaching sessions, she excitedly told me that she wanted to introduce both products simultaneously. Many of us might relate to her experience. We may believe that the best way to meet our objectives is to work on numerous possibilities and projects at the same time. Have you ever attempted to juggle multiple opportunities and were disappointed with the results?
In the last article, “Leaders: Be Present,” I shared the most significant characteristics of the Change Proficiency, “Be Present.” This article will introduce the next Change Proficiency tool, “Possibilities Focused,” to guide you and those you lead through business, professional and everyday changes.
What Does It Mean for You to Be Possibilities-Focused?
To be “Possibilities Focused” means having the insight to explore opportunities without being enticed to make decisions that will take you off course or prolong the journey. As a leader — either of oneself, another person or many others — you know you must use your time, finances and other resources in the most effective way. Like making unscheduled detours on your way to an important and time-sensitive meeting, resources spent on misaligned projects can wreak havoc on your goals.
Why Must You Be Possibilities-Focused?
There are many activities you can and need to be involved in to create successful outcomes. However, with limited time and resources, you must choose wisely. To try to pursue numerous goals simultaneously would be like trying to arrive at multiple destinations at once: you may arrive, but the delay influences your ability to reach your desired outcome by your deadline.
When you use the “Possibilities Focused” tool, you proceed with clarity and focus. This tool enables you to take actions to align with your purpose and timeframe. In Erica’s case, she realized that if she released two products together, it would interfere with the sales of the first one.
How Can You Be Possibilities-Focused?
To successfully arrive at your business or professional destination on schedule, incorporate these three principles: Purpose- Driven, Season-Directed and Analyze Alignment.
Purpose-Driven
Are you a coffee or tea drinker? If you are, does anyone have to remind you when it is time to have a cup? Probably not, because it is on the top of your mind. Likewise, your purpose must be “Top of Mind.” Suppose you must achieve a certain number of sales, revenue or another objective at the end of 90 days. In that case, your daily decisions and how you allocate resources must reflect your awareness of the required end result. I suggest, even if the goal is self-imposed, that you consider your objective as required instead of desired. It will help anchor you to your purpose.
Season-Directed
Most are aware that there is a season to plant and a season to harvest. A farmer’s decisions are based on the season or how close it is to harvest time. Professionally, the same principle holds true. Suppose out of 90 days, you only have 30 days left to meet your revenue or quota goals — and you are only halfway to your objective. Now is probably not the season to upgrade your website or increase social media engagement. Those are planting season activities. Instead, to prepare for a rich harvest, a majority of your resources should be spent on actions like following up on initial interest, pursuing new leads or implementing a targeted marketing campaign. Those actions can close the gap between current and required results.
Analyze Alignment
As it relates to the Possibilities Focused tool, actions are either categorized as a “bridge” or “extension.” A bridge takes you from where you are now, Point A, to your goal, Point B. On the other hand, extensions look to the future. It takes you from where you will be once you accomplish your initial goal, Point B, to another future destination.
Both bridge and extension actions are essential for success. However, sometimes we may unconsciously gravitate towards extension activities because we feel that our current deadline is not reachable. While extension actions are essential to reach future goals, be careful that they do not derail or delay your ability to meet current goals within the specified timeframe.
The Possibilities Focused Change Proficiency tool will help you direct your time and resources towards the most beneficial activities and opportunities to reach your primary goals on time.
The next article will introduce the Change Proficiency tool, “Stand on Truths.”
Donna Johnson-Klonsky, MBA, PCC DJ Consulting Services, Inc.
East Fishkill, New York 12533
djohnson@djcsfirm.com
(845) 447-1037
