Measure

Business endeavors rarely go exactly as planned. As you continue toward your destination, there should be strategic checkpoints along the way to allow you and your board to review and measure your progress.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you meeting financial and operational goals?
  • Are your teams performing as anticipated?
  • Are you increasing market share?
  • Do employees understand their roles?
  • Are you doing things your competitors aren’t?
  • Have any cultural changes been celebrated and communicated to all employees?
  • Do you have bench strength? Are leaders developing in the way you envisioned?
  • Most important, what did you learn along the journey that you can use to prepare for the next challenge?

After you reach your goal, you should review your entire progression. Too often, leaders move on to the next challenge and don’t take time to answer the questions. Reviewing each stage of the planning and implementation process can provide invaluable information for the next challenge.

Ask yourself and your leadership team:

  • Did you get where you wanted to go?
  • Did you enjoy the process?
  • Was it an easy process?
  • What would make it more enjoyable next time?
  • Did your plan make a difference in achieving your objectives?
  • Did it help you prepare for roadblocks along the way?
  • Are you ready for the next journey?

You may have reached your original purpose, but new puzzles lie ahead to solve. It is never too early to begin on the next.