Staying The Course

TOPICS: DECISION MAKING | LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Staying The Course

Business is about setting goals for growth and efficiency. Goals should be challenging and worthy of celebration when they are achieved. But sometimes, especially with long term goals, the pursuit becomes tedious and it is easy to lose focus.

A couple of years ago I went hiking with a friend for several days. On our first day while we were fresh we decided to attempt the most challenging hike. Upon the advice of a local we chose the most difficult route to the top of a small mountain. Neither of us is an experienced hiker and the recommended route was much harder than anticipated.

The higher we climbed, the steeper it got. The summit was obscured by trees and rocks, so our ultimate goal was never in view. Frankly, the experience was not very enjoyable and the only thing which kept us going was periodically stopping to rest and look down at where we started. These rest stops reinforced that we were making progress and that our goal was likely to be achieved if we just kept going.

Finally, after three hours we reached the top of the mountain and what greeted us was a magnificent, 360 degree view of Big Bend National Park. I’m not saying that the view was worth the climb, but we gained a huge sense of achievement knowing that we had completed a difficult goal.

Some of the goals we set for ourselves and our organizations take a long time to reach. Along the way it is easy to become discouraged and even to question whether the goal is attainable or desirable. My own pursuit of long term goals seems to follow a very predictable pattern.

I begin by charging ahead in earnest, excited by a new challenge. After a period of time I become discouraged by setbacks and conflicts. It is at that point that I need to be rejuvenated; to refocus on the ultimate goal. It is at that point that I spend time reflecting on the progress I have made and not so much on the difficulty remaining. Invariably, such reflection recharges my batteries so I can forge ahead once again.

If the goals you set for yourself or your organization are lofty I can promise that you will become discouraged along the way. If you become discouraged, imagine how your subordinates feel. After all, they are counting on you for leadership. Your job is not only to set the destination and solve problems as they arise, it is your responsibility to keep your team motivated, energized and focused. Just like our climb, big goals are made up of a series of interim goals. Focusing on those interim goals and celebrating each success are keys to achieving the overall goal.



Each of us is on a journey toward becoming a better leader and manager. Each of us has made progress toward that goal. Take time every once in awhile to reflect on where you started and where you are now. Celebrate your progress. Don’t focus on how far you have to go - focus on what you have already achieved and resolve to keep going. I promise that the climb will be worth the effort and that you’ll enjoy the view from your summit.