It’s Time for a New Road Map – the Old One Doesn’t Work!
Yes it’s that time again with a major twist. We need a new road map for ourself and our company. Why a new map? Because the old one doesn’t work in this economy. In fact, I would suggest that very few people really understand the ramifications of the new economy.
Let me explain this using an analogy. I’m a pretty good map reader and can find my way around with a good map. This year I made a trip to an area that I had never been to before. I got a map at the car rental place and had printed off a couple of other maps from the Internet. However, major details were left off of all the maps that I got. But I was confident that I would find my way because of my past success.
That was my first mistake. I was using an old success script in a new territory. And, major details for my successful trip were missing on the maps I was using – the second mistake – I was really unprepared for this trip. The third mistake was my personal attitude – I felt I did not need anyone else’s assistance or help because I felt that my past experiences would lead me successfully to the goal. A Major mistake.
You see – the old map showed my target to the southeast of where I was starting. So when the road sign indicated South with the highway number – I started my quest. After about an hour of driving I noticed a major skyline with major buildings everywhere! I felt uncertain at that moment since I was traveling to a smaller city and these buildings were a mismatch to my image. Yet, I continued on, confident that I was headed in the right direction. Fourth mistake! I did not acknowledge my true feelings that something was not right with the current situation!
Finally, I stopped and asked someone what city was I in? Imagine my embarrassment when I learned that I had traveled in the opposite direction for over an hour. That was a first time mistake for me. I had never been lost before or made such a major directional mistake while traveling.
I got new directions, made some additional plans and noted points or milestones to indicate success this time. Then started again with a better idea of where I was, what path to take to get to the travel goal and a couple of alternatives – just in case I had bad information. Plus, about half way there, I stopped again to check if this time I was on the right path and were there any obstacles ahead that I should think about now?
That afternoon I got to my target destination. It turned out to be successful after developing a new travel plan and checking the details of the plan with others that had experience in this area.
So what does this story have to do with personal goals or a company? Everything! We are in a totally new economy that no one has any major experience, dealing with new and different decisions that must be made this year. What worked in the past – may not work well in 2009. You need to get with someone who will challenge your thought process about your plans, assist in developing contingency plans, and help you make mid course adjustments if necessary. Check your ego at the door or you may end up going in the wrong direction like me!
While I missed my driving target, I CAN assist you as a coach – planning the new year or as an advisor to your company – assisting in the planning process for 2009. There are major differences between surviving and thriving – beware of personal assumptions that may have flaws and lead you down the wrong path. Call me now at 901-757-4434 and make sure your company heads in the right direction.
Voss Graham
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Tags: 2009 planning, Bad economy issues and direction, developing a roadmap for success, planning for the future, Strategy
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[…] unknown wrote an interesting post today onInnerActive Consulting – Insights » Blog Archive » Itâ??s Time for a …Here’s a quick excerptI got a map at the car rental place and had printed off a couple of other maps from the Internet. However, major details were left off of all the maps that I got. But I was confident that I would find my way because of my past success. … […]