Timing is Everything

Dr. Denis Waitley taught us that,
"Timing is Everything"

It is true with regard to Strategy. Ricardo has found the perfect time to explore a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. I look forward to contributing as time permits, but more importantly, to learn from Ricardo and those that he invites to share their unique insights.

This morning over coffee, I had this timely thought:

How many of my clients understand Strategy?

May I suggest few. Very few. Me included!

The word may roll off our tongues, but talk about a "deep" subject. One where we ought to start with a textbook definition. So here it is (from dictionary.com):

4. a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result: a strategy for getting ahead in the world.

That makes sense. A series of maneuvers... for obtaining a goal. I trust that everyone would agree that a goal without a timeline is simply a wish, or a pipe dream. So, my thoughts this morning centered on how important is the timeline to strategy?

Can you have a strategy without a timeline? Methinks not.

Okay, so a strategy (a series of maneuvers to obtain a goal) must include due dates. Fair enough?

Those that read my blog (SKI on Throughput) know that I preach posting one's strategy on their office wall. Both the office and home office wall. So, lets do this next exercise together:

1. Walk over to your office wall
   
2. Review your Strategy
3. Does it have a timeline?

Game over

I have this large poster on my wall (56x71cm) and not one date anywhere!

Okay SKI, if you are so smart, how did you let this happen to yourself? Poor time management! I let the urgent (affairs of life) crowd out the important things... like integrating a timeline in my strategy. What if this simple fact is preventing me from breaking through to the other side?

You know, the side where I am driving that new Cadillac CTS to my next assignment! Remind to wax poetic on the importance of dream building as a tool to accomplish the mileposts of one's strategy... but I digress.

"When the student is ready,
the teacher will appear."
—anonymous

Ricardo, I already owe you a great debt. I taught for ten years (computer science), and the best teachers always learn more when presenting to others. By sharing on this simple topic of "strategy" I have learned of a very serious shortcoming in my own strategy.

And here I had this (misguided) intent to chastise my clients for not getting more done!

Before day's end, I will completely and thoroughly update my SIO Map (Strategic Intermediate Objectives Map) to include all relevant times.

What will you being doing this afternoon?

-ski

P.S. I love it when a plan comes together!

----
Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
ski@throughput.us
(330) 432-3533

tag: Timing Really is Everything