The Magis Planning Ladder
Creating and executing strategy in a rapidly changing world becomes more challenging every day. There is much to be done and just as much to be undone. Resources are getting scarce, and personal balance is threatened.
Consider this:
Getting from here to there can be a simple, five-step process. Creating a plan for personal growth, leadership development, succession planning, or organizational change is fundamentally the same.
There is a specific order of events. Most people jump around, out of order, losing focus and causing complexity. Failing at any one of the five steps, or shortcutting them will surely limit your chances for success.
Mindsets to Milestones
Step 1: Build the Vision
Create a solid vision in great detail. Get buy-in from key stakeholders. Align the team around core values and the nobility of your mission. It is important that this is the first step. Think Magis. Dream big, not allowing the confines of your current reality to limit possibilities. This is harder than you think. Do not move to step 2 until you have an amazing vision. It should be a great adventure.
Step 2: Assess the Current Reality
It is a challenge to be open and honest while soliciting feedback from employees and customers regarding your current reality. However, it is absolutely necessary. Keeping the discussions relevant to the journey is also a worthwhile effort. Sometimes, “You can’t handle the truth.”
Step 3: Create the Plan
Once you specifically know when and where you’re headed; And exactly where you are now, relational to your goals; It is time to measure the gap and map the journey. Doable, specific, and measurable milestones are put in place with deadlines like checkpoints in a road rally. A celebration is in order when each milestone is achieved.
Step 4: Communicate
Communication will make or break your change initiative. Executing any plan involves getting people excited about specific, meaningful change. Telling doesn’t work, even when there’s no choice. Selling doesn’t always work, but it’s better than telling. Circular communication involves active listening. If employees and customers don’t buy in, the deal doesn’t fly.
Step 5: Achieve Desired Results
Each milestone achieved is another horizon toward the ultimate vision. It is wise to make the vision a working, living document. As you achieve more, your vision will grow and change; however your core values must remain solid, and as leaders, you live them every day.
Perhaps this model is oversimplified or understated, but this guide is food for thought as you plan your next set of horizons. It works.
Note: When planning for self development, step 4 involves how you communicate with yourself, how you affirm yourself, and how you listen to others relational to your progress.