20 Traits of the Great-Trait 5 Make a Plan

Achieving Greatness can be Simple---It just isn't Easy

Words people use to describe people with this trait

·      Make a Plan: Know where they are going and how they are going to get there, Have a Check List, Create Road Maps, Have a Schedule, Prepare in advance, know what they need to succeed, organized, have an agenda, put together a strategy, develop a campaign, build tactics.

    One of the oldest saying in business is “People don’t plan to fail-they fail to plan”. The GREAT know that once they have set a destination or vision for themselves it is meaningless without a plan to get there. Most people have dreams-the difference between the GREAT and the GOOD in many cases is that the GREAT have turned their dreams into action plans. The GREAT focus on how to get to their goals and know that they will hit obstacles on the way and will find a way around, through or over them. It is never a question of if they will get there but only how. When you are building a GREAT team, as long as you share the same destination, you can have different plans on how to get there based on the strengths of each individual on the team. As long as they have a plan and they don’t conflict with yours. One of the techniques I use that help me in the planning process is to think of it as planning a trip. First you have to a destination and when you want to arrive in mind. Then you make your travel plans. What do you need to pack, how will you travel, who is coming with you, when will you get mile markers on the way, all of those details that make for a great trip. It is an easy technique to teach your team and use yourself. Understand that like any road map there be detours on your journey for the GREAT but they are still arriving on time.