Ducks and Eagles
One of my favorite quick reference tools is a book entitled “You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School”, by Mac Anderson. I hope you enjoy today’s excerpt:
Know the Power of ONE PAGE
“Joe Calhoon and Bruce Jeffrey are consultants who specialize in helping companies create a simple one page strategic plan. I love the idea because there is something magic about one page. Here are the 6 key elements of the plan:
VISION: A clear picture of your destination
MISSION: The driving purpose of your business
VALUES: The guide you use for decision making and how you treat others
OBJECTIVES: The numbers you track
STRATEGIES: The paths you’ve decided to take
PRIORITIES: The work that needs to get done and who needs to do it
According to Calhoon and Jeffrey, they’ve never seen a business plan that was too short, but they have seen hundreds that would make an acceptable cure for insomnia. They also said that once the management team understands the process, they have never encountered a company that couldn’t fit their plan on one page. Does it take a little time to “drill down?” Sure it does, but it’s well worth it because it forces you to cut out a lot of verbiage and make decisions on what’s most important.
I love the quote from Lincoln when he said, “I apologize for writing such a long letter, but I didn’t have the time to write a short one.”
Take the time. You and your team will be glad you did.”
While you may think all of this only applies to a corporation or company, it certainly is applicable for any individual pursuing a goal or dream. Think it through, define your steps and take the time to ‘drill down’. There’s certainly no harm in being short and sweet!
Thanks for stopping by for your Daily Dose!