Planning for Improvement

If you and your team are hunkered down waiting for the market or the economy to turn around, you may have a long wait. Now is the time to look for opportunities. You can have your best year ever! 

Focus! Focus! Focus!  Plans often fail because too many issues are addressed at one time, not because there is anything inherently wrong with them. How does the coyote eat the buffalo? One bite at a time! There is always a lot to do. So to ensure that you and your team stay focused, identify those things that are imperative to fulfilling the vision of your business. Ask, “What conditions must exist for us to be who and where we want to be?” Think in terms of necessary and sufficient. Concentrate your efforts on the most important issues or Critical Success Factors. Tackling your goals one at a time, you will find your business plans much easier to achieve. 

For most businesses, Critical Success Factors center around people and product. What about your organization – your staff – is critical to your success? What must they be able to do well to ensure your competitive advantage? What about your customers is critical to your success? What are their expectations and how can you exceed them? What about your product/service is critical to your success?  If insurance is just another commodity, what sets you apart? A clear understanding of what is most important makes it possible to set realistic, achievable, smarter goals.

Success breeds success. Improvement generates more improvement. With every achieved goal, your (and your team’s) confidence grows. These incremental successes will inspire and encourage you and your team. You have the knowledge, experience, drive and enthusiasm to achieve your vision. You can have your best year ever!