2009 Health Care Reform Initiative Lesson #6: Without a Road Map Your “Administration” Will Attempt Too Much, Too Fast and Not Achieve Any of Your Goals
It is an all too common problem;leaders trying to execute to many things and not doing any of them effectively and thus missing their goals. Our current 2009 Health Care Reform is providing another lesson for business leaders throughout the world;
“Buy a Map!”
It was the late 1990’s and my independent sales representative Randy and I were working downtown Philadelphia looking for a new video game distributor. As we drove in what felt like circles we were obviously lost and frustrated. We must have passed the same hot pretzel street vendor three times, so I asked Randy to pull over in the next gas station so I can ask directions. As we pulled into parking lot and parked, I got out to ask directions, (Randy quickly locked the doors.) I thought …after all I am in the “city of brotherly love”…surely someone will be happy to give me directions… As I walked up to the bullet proof window the clerk said: “What?” I explained I was looking for the following address and I will never forget what he said…
“Buy a Map!”
…little did I know then how profound that advice was when you feel lost.
A Road Map helps your organization (administration) understand where you are, where you want to be, and maps the 2-3 key initiatives (from an overview standpoint) you plan to execute. In addition to identifying 2-3 key initiatives versus 23 or more, it also shows where you do not plan to go. Will your road map change? Sure, you may encounter a roadblock in your marketplace and you will adjust your trip plan, however you will recalculate the course to get to your desired destination.
A Mistake businesses leaders make is trying to do too much, too fast, and not execute any of your initiatives and miss your goals. When this occurs, your market loses trust in you, and you lose their votes. ( orders)
The current administration in the white house came in after a poorly executed stimulus plan. The market was already Leary of Washington’s ability to execute.
The past launch failure caused a lack of credibility and trust in the market.
Very quickly they announced the following plans;
“American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.”
Education Stimulus
Auto industry bail out
Increase Efforts in Afghanistan
New Energy
Plan for Immigration
Normalize relations with Cuba.
Auto higher mileage standards
Estate-Tax Plan
Gun control
Plans for Israel
Is it any wonder the current administration will miss its budget projection by $2 TRILLION DOLLARS?
“Buy a Map!”
Again, this was not meant to me a political commentary but an example for us all to learn from. When you list all the initiatives your team is working on I think it would surprise most business leaders.
An exercise I often do with new clients is I meet with all middle and senior leaders and ask what they are working on. Very quickly I determine if I am helping a team that has a road map and is aligned.
When I polled CEO’s not long ago asking what concerns them the most;
Finding out six months into a launching a strategic plan that my team members are not executing to the plan.
The leading cause of teams taking on too much and team members acting on their own initiatives not in alignment with the overall corporate strategy is the lack of a road map. So…
“Buy a Map!”
Once you develop your map you must prioritize the initiatives that made the cut. You must assess what your team has the capability, financial resources and skill sets to execute. You will identify 2-3 key initiatives…not 23…54…or 76 .
