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| Sometimes, there is more than one way to reach a goal.; look for it! |
Business
requires a high degree of focus to ensure achievement of goals. It is very easy to become distracted and
deviate from the pre-determined objectives.
An exciting new discovery or a more attractive market can cause one to
shift midstream to take advantage of a major opportunity. Being able to alter plans to take advantage
of game changing technology or markets is one of the advantages of working in a
startup or small company. The
flexibility one possesses can make a difference in being first to market with
novel technology. It is very important to
recognize and take advantage of game changing shifts impacting a product
launches. However, excessive flexibility
can result in constant switching and creative delays. This leads to cost overruns and lags in
meeting milestones.
It
is important for entrepreneurs to have some degree of flexibility. That said, they also must focus on their
objectives. Focusing on products and
timelines helps keep projects on track at reasonable cost. Focus prevents the team from drifting too far
afield from key goals. All serious
investors expect the company leaders to focus on value creation and take the
necessary steps to achieve all objectives.
There
is a difference between having the right level of focus and having tunnel
vision. Tunnel vision is like a horse
with blinders. You do not see the
surroundings and miss events or steps that can improve a product or shorten development
times. It is also possible to miss
changes in the market place that may affect your launch or ability to capture
share. The following are 4 steps may
help you maintain your focus and keep those blinders off. Remember, focus not tunnel vision is the key.
1.
Identify
the target: Proper identification of
your objectives and timelines is essential.
Obtain the input from the team and ensure they are onboard with the
decisions and timings. They may push
back a little, but if they express strong reservations, re-evaluate the
plans. The better the early discussions,
the better everyone will maintain the focus and desire to meet the objectives
and timings.
2.
Define
multiple routes: While planning, consider as many alternative routes and
objectives as possible. Selection of the
best plans along with a few alternatives may help introduce the concept of
flexibility in achievement of the goals. Great plans include seeking alternatives
that can take advantage in a way to improve your outcomes. If your team is encouraged to have tunnel
vision, they may reach the goal but in a less optimal manner. Encourage the team to be alert and seek
improvements where they may exist.
3.
Monitor progress: You should
always monitor progress and be willing to step in if needed. You may see ways to make major improvements
or accelerate a program. The ability to
see and take advantages of events that may lead to major improvements is the responsibility
of the leader as well as the team. The
team may not be aware of all the relevant information or have as much awareness
of the market place. Their ability to
see opportunities may be hampered due to lack of information.
4. Be vigilant for ways to improve: You may never make improvements if you never
look for ways to improve. Even when
something happens that can lead to a major discovery, you could miss it if you
are not monitoring activities. It is
essential that you seek ways to improve even if you decide not to implement the
changes. In the end, you have a choice
if you actually identify alternatives.
You have no choice if you stick your head in the sand and fail to seek
ways to improve.
Taffy
Williams is the author of: Think Agile: How Smart
Entrepreneurs Adapt in Order to Succeed to via Amazon
