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Year-end
is traditionally the time to take stock and make plans for
the coming year.
This year especially, many of us are thinking hard about
what's important in our lives and whether our work is consistent
with our values. Taking a holistic view can help
ensure that our futures are fulfilling and profitable.
In this eNews, we learn from the experience of Paul Cooperstein,
President of Strategic Intervention Associates, Inc., a
strategic planning and organizational development firm. Paul
sponsors a program called 'Your Best Year Yet' that produces
breakthroughs in business results. This continues our 'from
the trenches' series in which we showcase the expertise
of professionals with whom we work collaboratively.
According to Paul, 'In this economic climate, business
leaders can't waste a bit of the time and energy of their
people if they intend to succeed. When the people
in a business are focused and motivated by clear goals,
they deliver results.'
Research shows written goals produce results.
In 1979, Harvard University surveyed business school graduates,
asking if:
- they
had specifically defined future plans, and
- if
they had committed them to writing.
The results
were startling:
- only
3% of graduates had clear written goals for their business
and their life.
- 13%
had goals and plans but hadn't written them.
- 84%
had no plans or goals at all.
Ten years
later, in 1989, the school surveyed the same participants
once again. Their findings:
- 13%
of the people who had plans and goals and hadn't written
them down were earning, on average, twice as much as those
who had no goals at all.
- 3%
of the people who had written plans and goals and had
a blueprint to follow were earning, on average, ten times
as much as the other 97%.
Goal
Setting - General Approach
Typically, goal setting is an analytical process, not a holistic
one. Analytically, we assess the situation and develop goals. SWOT is an example. Assess
the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, and
then set goals.
Goals set in this manner may not be realistic and may not
reflect individual values, strengths and weaknesses.
Goal Setting - Best Year Yet Approach
Using the Best Year Yet methodology, Paul begins by leading
you through a process to understand:
- lessons
from your accomplishments and disappointments;
- the
values that are important to you; and
- internal
conversations that hamper the accomplishment of your vision.
Within
this framework, strategies, roles and realistic goals can
be established. Goals set in this manner are achievable
and consistent with personal values.
In the words of a Best Year Yet client,
'I have done strategic planning work for high performing
organizations for over 20 years. Best Year Yet is far and away the
most time and cost effective process that I have seen or used.
It addresses not only the what a group intends to do
together, but also the how in terms of the way they think
and work together. Best Year Yet produces clear underlying
guidelines for focusing their effort in the most productive
manner. I have found the outcomes produced to be extraordinary
and surprising to participants as they compare it to previous
planning efforts.'
Our thanks to Paul Cooperstein, President of Strategic Intervention
Associates, Inc. for sharing his perspective about the Best
Year Yet planning process. The program is offered in
formats tailored to individual and business needs. Check
out www.bestyearyet.com for additional information. Paul
Cooperstein can be reached at 617-698-0678 or SIAPAC@aol.com.
Jean D. Sifleet
Attorney & CPA
P.S. Please forward this eNews to clients
or colleagues who may find it useful. Subscribing to
eNews is free of charge.
We welcome questions that concern business owners and entrepreneurs.
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