4 steps to successful game planning

Commentary December 05, 2014 at 05:48 AM
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"Productivity is never an accident." — Paul J. Meyer

In 25+ years of working with top athletes and executives, I've yet to come across a wise leader who doesn't equip his team with a specific plan for success. To be sure, if you fail to prepare, then you are preparing to fail.

When newly appointed Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula was asked by the media to reveal his 3- to 5- year team goals, Shula responded, "I don't have a 3- to 5-year game plan; my game plan is day-to-day." Shula realized and embraced the fact that every football franchise shared the same fundamental goals. It was daily implementation that counts.

While sports managers and athletes need to have certain elements in place to succeed, the same holds true for corporations, business leaders, and top sales achievers.

Here are four steps to creating a successful plan that will take your team's performance to higher and higher levels … today, and 10 years from now:

plan

1. Develop your plan 

Establish the priorities that flow from your mission. Identify your core responsibilities as well as those that must be successfully delegated. And structure your calendar in such a way to support daily execution and high productivity.

recruitment

2. Recruit your players 

Astute leaders value character as well as ability. This is not an either/or proposition. You need both to create superior results.

motivate

3. Motivate your players 

True, sustainable motivation stems from your ability to understand what makes your team tick. Motivation is a lost art in today's marketplace. As a result, it can serve as a powerful differentiator if you work it right.

goal

4. Execute your plan

In sports, you can play your best game and still lose a match or contest. It's vital to understand that successful execution puts you in position to win, rather than guarantees a win. As we encourage our clients, "Do your best, then go home."

By having a clear vision and surrounding yourself with a great team, the stage will be set for you to play your best game when it matters most. 

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