Outside Eyes Part 1

It’s been talked about before, the forest and the trees.??

A walk through the forest limits the view of the vast layout.? The journey is one of tree branches, forest floor, brush, rocks, and grasses that together make up the whole of the forest.? Add mushroom clusters, insects, birds, and unexpected animal encounters, and the fun begins. The quiet deer in the morning mist, or the chattering squirrel munching on seeds give way to the snake or the occasional bear sizing you up as a snack.?

As humans, we crave consistency in life and in work. We show up and tackle the daily jobs among the trees.? The growling bear interrupts our focus, perhaps even sending a surge of adrenalin that changes the entire dynamic of the hour.? The tyranny of the urgent draws us off the path, and we may end the day realizing that intended accomplishments must be rescheduled.? Executives pulled into the business must deal with their unfinished daily work on the business, missing the forest for the trees and bugs.??

An effective strategic plan (1 to 2 pages) carries far more weight than many give to it. The journey through the forest, guided by the plan and a guide, ensures safe and effective passage.? A capable team will move through the forest most efficiently and effectively with guidance from eyes in the sky, far above the trees.? Outside eyes can help the team avoid hazards and delays, recalculate routes and movement when the unexpected occurs, and issue warnings far ahead of the dead-ends with hungry bears on the watch.??

The right guide brings certainty of the outcome, using the strategic plan as the map to a successful journey.? Consider these helpful tips for deciding whether to obtain outside eyes and how to get the most from the commitment:?

1. ? ? ? Become as clear as you can about the hurdles you encounter, the strategic inflection points you are experiencing, or the “knot in your gut” that says something’s not right in our forest.?

A dose of humility combined with determination to stay on task will reveal the simplicity and power in asking for guidance from someone who has fresh eyes and experienced perspectives.? One of two outcomes always occur: (1) you find out that you have correctly identified hurdles and solutions and can be confident in powering forward, or (2) you gain clarity and precision that will guide next steps.??

2. ? ? ? Demand a return on the investment in advisory services provided by your guide.?

Determine the potential impact of certain hazards, then set the expectation that outside eyes should pay for itself, with a favorable return.? As a rule of thumb, internally we expect that the minimum value of our impact should be 10X.? A client spending $25k for an evaluation and outside eyes should expect back $250k (10X).? The equation works if (a) the strategic plan is potent, (b) the evaluation yields clear findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and (c) execution is effective with guidance from outside eyes.? A key consideration for guidance from outside eyes (in addition to ongoing calibration and guidance) is the level of hands-on involvement you might request.??

3. ? ? ? Set clear expectations both in communication and deliverables.

Getting on the same page on both the rhythm and schedule of communicating updates and progress makes the relationship run smoother. Knowing the deliverables and how to manage the scope goes a long way to ensuring a successful engagement.?

Seeing the forest while going through it creates a more enjoyable and successful journey.? Don’t forget that customers are also “outside eyes” who will guide you if you will listen!?

We will be talking about this and other topics that will help you grow your business May 18th in Salt Lake City. Learn more HERE