It’s New Year’s Resolution time and here is a common resolution I hear: Level 1: “I’m going to step it up this year. I am going to re-commit myself, work harder, and put in even more time.” This one gets repeated annually unless, hopefully, a light goes on: Level 2: “I’m going to keep working harder, but also work smarter!” And the process of learning about best … [Read more...] about New Year Resolution for Excellence
Goal-setting
Good is the Enemy of Great
Every chance I get, I talk with people about how to pursue breakthrough performance. And I can tell this gets on some people’s nerves. “Rob, we are working our butts off and now you are suggesting we do more? Why?” Yes, I am suggesting that more is possible. Why? Because there are millions of people on our planet who need more and better. And “No,” I am not … [Read more...] about Good is the Enemy of Great
What is Strategy? Part II
Strategy is an integrated explanation of how an organization is going to guide its performance into the future. In installment #2 of “What is Strategy?” we consider an organization’s future. If Strategy guides performance “into the future, ” then an obvious question is “Where are you going?” To answer that question, I first suggest that an organization identify its Mission … [Read more...] about What is Strategy? Part II
The Performance Paradox
Yes! I want to be a high performer! Yes! I want to accomplish all of my goals! Sorry. You can’t have it both ways. What!?! Why? While it may seem like a contradiction – the only way to maximize your performance is to give up your desire to attain your goals 100%. Research on goals shows that the higher you set your goals, the greater performance you will have.* So, … [Read more...] about The Performance Paradox
The Moon Shot vs Cancer
One of the best examples of a successful Almost Impossible Stretch Goal is the Moon Shot. (To read more about the power of Almost Impossible Goals, click here.) On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy – in a speech to a joint session of Congress – announced the goal of landing a man on the moon and safely returning him to Earth. For those of you not alive in the 1960s, … [Read more...] about The Moon Shot vs Cancer