We all know that life does not always go according to plan. There’s the plan, and then there’s what actually happens. Sometimes one resembles the other, but many times not. What do we do when we find a huge difference between the two and everything seems to spin out of control? Do we quit or do we adapt?
Plans Change
The plans we make often look solid in the beginning. But if there is one thing we can guarantee, it is that when it comes time to put the plan into action, it will not turn out exactly as hoped. The larger the operation and the more complex the parts, the more likely that something will go wrong.
Frontline Leadership Lead Plans
Think about D-Day back on June 6, 1944. It took months of man-hours, resources, and logistics to plan the largest invasion in history. The Allied commanders planned everything to the last detail. When it came down to the actual invasion, the plans were thrown out the window, and frontline leadership led the Allied forces to victory.
Putting Plans Into Action
Thinking about the actions of those frontline leaders on D-Day, we can draw several lessons worth keeping in mind for the next time you put our plan into action.
1. Clearly Communicate Vision and Mission.
When everyone from front leadership down to the DAY WON agent understands (and believes) in what we are trying to achieve, we have equipped them to THINK and make SMART choices about what to do when the plan starts to fail.
2. Empower Our Team.
Once our vision is crystal clear to all, give our team the space to find Ways to Winning Smart.
3. Find Solutions, Not Blame.
Pointing fingers is not productive, and doesn’t get us anywhere. When everyone is done pointing fingers, we are no better off for it. We should use our energy to take action to fix the problem, then keep moving forward.
4. Keep a Positive Mindset.
Figure out what we CAN do, and DO IT. Great leaders make the most of the situation they find themselves in, not wishing that things were better or the plan had worked out.
5. Realize IMPACT.
Even small wins can add up and have a positive IMPACT, whether it’s a simple act of appreciation, a little extra customer love, or going the extra mile to be sure that we have met our responsibilities. If everyone is doing their best to Leave It Better, the plan stands a better chance of succeeding.
Real Leaders Plan and Adjust
“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” ~ Gloria Steinem
We may not be storming beaches or jumping out of airplanes today, but we’re probably following some kind of plan. And if there’s one thing we can say about plans, it’s that something will probably go wrong.
That’s when we find out who the real leaders are.
#LeaveItBetter
Bronson Trebbi
CEO
To learn more about RDI, contact us!
To join our team, apply at http://workRDI.com