Setting goals...and boundaries

#rowsandcolumns Edition 3.0

In this edition I'm sharing my annual values, objectives and key results (OKRs) for personal and public accountability to show up as the human I strive to be. This edition of #rowsandcolumns focuses on why and how I do this each year, and how you can use this as personal tool for your own development.

So first, the why. It's really simple. I realized I needed to make changes in my life over a decade ago, but really had not set what's important. It's easy to say family, career, health -- all of which factor into above -- but what truly about them is important? Without these, big decisions are hard to impossible. With them, decisions become very clear. I needed that clarity in my life. All I needed was the tools to do it....

In 2013 I had the amazing opportunity take six weeks to attend a leadership and life development program run by PwC, called Genesis Park. Those close to me know this program was a turning point in how I managed my energy, my time, my focus, and my priorities. A core part of this program was do a 'values walk', including assessing your values through a set of cards. Since then, I've revisited my values each year to hone my personal north star. If you want to do the same, check out value cards here!

In 2016 I met several fellow Snoqualmie-ians (ites? ists?) that formed a Dad's book club and trivia group, named in tongue-and-cheek fashion the 'Unreliable Fathers'. This group had a substantial impact on me as it was a group that openly covered a broad range of topics (politics, religion, careers, family, economics) while having fun. Given how invested we were in each other, we committed to doing personal OKRs and sharing for accountability. We started on napkins, so it does not need to be fancy. Check out John Doerr's 'Measure What Matters' to learn more about OKR history and practices.

In 2021 I was introduced to the purpose-to-impact concept as outlined in this Harvard Business Review article by James Buckley (Unreliable Father's Chairman Emeritus!). This is the latest tool included in my annual accountability matrix (see header above). I've found this was the capstone needed to tie together my values and OKRs. This Purpose Statement really defines the impact I want to have in my world (as I define it, my community).

I hope the tools above help you hone your own purpose, values and/or objectives and key results -- whatever helps you make decisions is the right tool. As now, as with every edition of #rowsandcolumns, here's my 3W (What I'm Watching, Reading, Listening To):

What I'm Watching -- 'Lupin' (Netflix...highly recommend watching the original French with English subtitles)

What I'm Reading -- 'The Ministry for the Future' (Kim Stanley Robinson). Highly recommend this authors 'Mars' series as well.

What I'm Listening To -- The 'Ted Lasso' soundtrack on YouTube Music. Highly eclectic and excellent music selections curated by Marcus Mumford who works on the series.