I'm a fan of Chris Brogan (www.chrisbrogan.com) and read his blog every day. Being a fan doesn't mean I always agree with him. I do like that he challenges me with ideas different than my own. Earlier this year, one of Chris's entries challenged his readers to create three words to focus on for the year.
These three words are not goals. Rather, they are anchor points we can tie our goals too. They are also words we can reflect on and help answer whether what we are doing is moving us in the right direction. Here are the three words I am using for 2011:
Innovate I can never accept the status quo. I like change and need to keep challenging myself with new things. I will work this year to channel my need to change into more innovative things that help my clients, my firm and myself grow and prosper.
Engage I devote a good chunk of my day listening to and talking with my clients and associates. I will work harder this year to engage in better listening turning what I hear in to positive action.
Connect Creating connections will help foster new ideas and give people resources to help them as needed. I will work to create more connections this year between my coworkers and my clients (and everything in between).
I created these words back in January and I thought now, almost a quarter in to the new year, would be a good time for me to reflect on how I am doing. Overall, I'd give myself a "pretty good." (No, that's not the sound of me patting myself on my back).
Here are a couple of examples:
1. Rollout of Strategic Transformation Program. Our first "class" will meet the end of April. This is new and unique year long service that will bring like organizations together, help them create or refine their strategic plan, and, more importantly, stay with them for a year to help them execute and continue connecting with each other. By the way, there is still room in the first class - contact me if you are interested in learning more (slipton@wipfli.com)
2. Funding and Expense Management Series. We created a series of five webinars to help organizations understand the impact of the expected funding cuts and how to implement appropriate expense reduction programs. The genesis behind this series was the conversations we were having with our clients and our concern that the actions taken help them stay focused on their mission. One mistake we made was trying to offer this too soon and as a result we pushed it back to May when we will have a better read on the extent of funding reductions.
There are other things too, like the rollout of TechPro, this blog, and an internal blog I created to help communication with our associates. There is, however, still much more to do. Our nonprofit and government world is facing uncertain times while the need for services in our communities is as strong as ever. I truly believe that through Innovation, Engagement and Connections we will help keep our focus on our mission.
I'm sharing this with you now knowing full well that it's not too late to create your three words. In fact, I'd challenge you that with the change coming, you need these anchors more than ever. They are helping me, as everything I take on I ask myself if it fits within my words and how.
I'd love to hear what three words you would focus on for the remainder of this year. Please post your three words.