For the last few years we have been doing this simple little exercise at the start of the year to help get focused around things that are important both personally and professionally.
We have found it to be really useful and one that has made a big difference.
Making plans and actually achieving them is always challenging and at the start of the year we find ourselves at the start of that loop all over again making promises that often will never materialise!
A few years ago we were inspired by a book about goal setting in a different way called “The Art of Possibility” by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander (a really interesting motivational book by the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and his wife who is an executive coach).
Benjamin Zander, the conductor has the task every year of bringing out the very best from a large group of very talented musicians for his orchestra.
His approach is rooted in the power of visualisation – the simple idea behind this is that if you visualise what you want to achieve then there is a much better chance of it actually happening (unbelievers ….stop reading now !!)
This year instead of doing it individually (definitely do this as well) why not as a team take on the task for your business or organisation.
Imagine the last working day of the year just before you switch off the lights in the office, before you exchange office presents and head out the door to do some last minute shopping and enjoy a well-earned rest, you have a chat about the fantastic achievements during the year.
Here goes ..
Take a flipchart and simply write your achievements in advance for the last working day of the year to come..
Wednesday, 23rd December, 2015
We had a great year because ….
Be as specific as you can including business and developmental goals and when the team are done get everyone to Sign it!
Once you have done this take some time out with your team and work out the detailed planning and action plans that support your 2015 wish list and then track progress during the year.
…grab just 30 minutes with your team this week before things fully kick off again and do it!
Happy 2015 from the Fuzion Crew!!
(the pic at the top of the post is from the fantastic movie, Cool Runnings the last featuring the comic genius John Candy about the Jamaican bobsleigh team making their debut at the 1988 winter Olympics in Canada)
Written by Greg Canty
