MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2009

We have been conditioned for quick answers. On television the doctor speedily comes up with the diagnosis and the patient is cured. The crime investigator solves the case. The prosecutor gets a conviction.

This usually unrealistic expectation of instant success translates into how we live. We look for "quick fixes" to our problems and actions that will immediately pay off. We are impatient.

This impatience presents a huge problem to those whose answers are systemic and long-term. How does one interest, excite and engage people in pursuing approaches, techniques and strategies that will bring needed and important change?

In this writer's experience as a long-time marathon runner and Ironman, runners and triathletes who look for the quick fix and instant success don't get what they are looking for. They are not willing to engage in and follow the long-term process necessary for success. They do not understand the need to build good habits, condition the body and mind, expose oneself to increasing stress, replicate portions of the "real thing" to learn how to master it, and so on. They either do not make it to the starting line or, if they do start, they don't finish or they finish very poorly.

The same is true in business. Proven approaches to business success exist, with strategic planning at the fore. But the people who could commit to using strategic planning to bring their organizations greater success don't make and follow-through on the commitment. They either see strategic planning as a diversion from the immediate "problem" or challenge, or engage in it for immediate results. Neither approach is going to yield the fruits that strategic planning can bring an organization.

There is no simple answer to this dilemma, of course. Their are some steps that can be taken, however. Address the impatience of business leaders by stripping away any non-critical steps in the strategic planning process so it is as streamlined a possible. Present and pursue each of the planning steps in a way so the benefits of taking the steps - whether it be finding a vision, identifying where the organization is falling short or developing strategies that can bring greater succes - are most apparent. Implement that process so that it is not a diversion but becomes part of "what we do."

Again, look at the athlete analogy. Many runners and triathletes are successful despite leading busy lives and making a living otherwise, because they are pursuing a proven training plan. They look ahead to their goal races and train accordingly over weeks and months. They patiently enjoy increasing fitness and the results of each workout. When they do get to their race, they have already prepared for it and simulated it many times, which helps assure success.

It can be the same in business. Businesses can fundamentally change themselves so they become much more successful, even while they continue to "do business." By finding a vision, and crafting and following a plan to get there, pursuing it weekly and monthly, and measuring and recognizing progress along the way, the assurance of success can be realized.