When the markers become and end in themselves

The point of a goal is to focus attention and effort in pursuit of a known and desirable end. The smart money is on making it specific and measurable, you know that. Smarter still, breaking it down, choosing sub-objectives and measuring and managing all along the route.

With luck and plenty of effort, the measures line up, the mile markers get checked off and everyone travels together as the horizon comes closer.

A special kind of problem comes when the markers become an end in themselves.

– When you’re so focused on the details that you forget to check for direction and heading.

– When following the plan exactly is prioritised over taking soundings from the real world.

– When we loose sight of the actual point that brought the smart money to the table.

Skippy strategy: Measure, and check for relevance. Hit milestones, and check for direction. Break things down, and build them back.

Get a daily nudge by subscribing to email updates.

Category:
Focus