Leading Made Simple

Getting “It” Done – 2 Step OKR + SMART GAP

You have it, too. Right?

That “It” project that’s been lingering around on your “To Do” list for a couple of months now? Try OKR & SMART GAP!

You know the one I am talking about … yes, it is that New Year’s resolution, that cool thing, that grand idea, that dream of yours, the one that you stumble over on a regular basis, knowing that at one time “It” will have to be done, no matter what. It’s that project that you keep seeing on the periphery that just never seems to make it to the top of your priority list, while it actually should be there. Actually, “it” may even have a real name. It could be that project you’ll handle when you get “Around to It.” Whether you know it or not, that project is weighing you down, “it’ is a sore and tender spot on your conscience. “It” could even be making it harder for you to accomplish your other daily “Must Do’s.”

There is a fail-safe method you can use for yourself, your team, or your business!

Begin with OKR!

OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results which has its origins of Peter Drucker’s Management by Objective. INTEL and Google have very successfully taken the concept to a different level and many companies have adopted the process now, too.

Establish an objective that you want to achieve and identify the key results by which to measure the achievement.

OKR & SMART GAP

Establishing the right goals help “getting it done”!

What is it that makes you put “It” off? …it is one of YOUR goals after all!

Didn’t you buy the app for your phone? …the article you read about goal setting? …the book on goal planning you almost finished skimming through? How is this working for you? When will you get serious about it? Wouldn’t you like to create real results?

If you want to become a serious “goal achiever” with a fail-safe system, just contact us. In any case, here are a few ideas on increasing your odds of getting “It” done and over with:

  •  Tell someone you’re going to do “It.”

Accountability makes a huge difference! Having someone hold your feet to the fire, or just asking you a gentle question might be all you need to get “It” moving. Effective goal setting comes into play.

  • Give “It” your best time frame with SMART GAP©.

SMART GAP is a simple goal achievement plan based on the SMART criteria, a method I use with my clients. If you are interested contact us about SMART GAP workshops.

Without the SMART GAP methodology, you still can make a plan and estimate the number of hours you truly believe you have to dedicate in order to get “It” out of your way. Then evaluate your optimum time of day. Are you an early riser or a night owl? Do you do your best work in the middle of the night or the heat of the day? Maybe try switching it up. If you’ve been saving “It” for your prime time and it’s not happened yet, why not allocate some off hours? Once decided, block the time in your calendar and work your plan! Good goals will help again…

  • Be prepared to give “It” a rest.

You’ve probably been putting “It” off because “It’s” a bear of a project. Cut “it” into manageable pieces and make sure you build in some break time. And not just some “put my feet up and watch the weather” break time. Studies show brief periods of exercise such as a brisk walk can really help you jump back into ”It” with new desire and energy.

  • Make “It” a challenge.

It’s already challenging, of course, or you would have accomplished it months ago, but there’s nothing like a healthy bet with yourself (or someone else, if you like) to keep you motivated. If you estimate it will take you a full 12 hours to complete “It”, assign a goal-bust time. Race against your best estimate and complete it in 11 hours. Stretch goals will provide the right challenge.

  • “It” deserves a prize.

Do not hesitate to give yourself a reward for a job well done. It could be something simple like having your favorite decadent dessert for dinner, or treating yourself (and your car) to the premium detail package next time it’s due for a wash, or allowing yourself an hour of relaxation in the middle of the day, or … you get the drift…

Whether “It’s” reorganizing your desk, cleaning the garage, entering data into your contact management system, or catching up on hand-written correspondence … you’ll be glad to get “It” out of your way! Achieving your goals should always cause celebration…

Don’t hesitate to give a comment on how “it” is going – or hopefully was going! For more information contact us at info@ecngx245.inmotionhosting.com or call  (864) 990-5284.

Or simply book a FREE call with the coach… [webba_booking]

Manfred Gollent

Manfred Gollent is a certified business coach and the founder of QLI International LLC. He works with a variety of clients from Fortune 500 executives to small business entrepreneurs on leadership and strategy development since 2006. Prior to founding QLI International, Manfred has been a turn-around executive in a Fortune 500 company with global operations. During his 30+ years in the corporate world, he led the rebuilding of underperforming subsidiaries in the United States, Europe, and Asia by developing their leadership team and organization, restructuring their market portfolio, operations and efficiency to improve results toward meeting investor’s expectations. Aside from his international corporate career, Manfred has served on company boards in the UK, Belgium, Norway, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States.