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Think of Growth & Transformation  as a PROJECT!
Here's how:
October 2015
 
 
Whew! What a summer! There were days I had to check my flight information to make sure I knew where I was! I'm going to be honest, it was busy and I felt worn down at times, but it never fails...I get out there, see great friends who are making it happen and meet new colleagues who inspire me to keep building on my own successes!
 
My summer got me thinking: in observing people, teams, and companies that achieve breakthrough results, there is a foundational, common element.  It is no surprise to know, progress is measured by their strides to achieve a desired outcome. Success results are rooted in disciplined habits that develop this process.  That's why in this month's newsletter I am introducing a new tool to you: 

A PERSONAL SCORECARD
 
Scorecards are frequently used:
-       to foster effort toward a desired outcome
-       to measure progress
-       to identify where and why progress is NOT being made  

Transformation requires us all to build some new muscles!  Read on to find out how you can use a personal scorecard to achieve a breakthrough!
 
Step 1 : Start by taking an assessment. What do you want to change? Go back to the beginning and revisit what goals are associated with a breakthrough change you want to happen? Assess goals specifically by what you want to achieve and why.

Example - I might set a goal to become more tech savvy so that I can direct my personal and business communications more effectively.
 
Step 2 : Plan and design concrete activities and behaviors that will help you achieve some success - however small. List items to engage in that will allow you to move from Point A to Point B. These should be specific, tangible actions to push you toward your goals.
 
Example - I could read a book, watch a YouTube video, or mentor under someone with more tech knowledge. I could take a class or even just experiment on my own.
 
Step 3 : Prioritize your ideas (from easiest to hardest) to make your goal happen. This will allow you to build confidence in smaller, more short-term successes and help you determine a rough time frame.
 
Example :  I will:
1) Set aside 10 minutes a day to allow myself to experiment and discover aspects of technology that are new to me by viewing online tutorials or reference material
2) Meet monthly with a friend or someone I know who is more tech savvy and can share what they know with me
3) Sign up for an evening seminar or on-going course to help me better grasp concepts or programs
 
Step 4 : Break everything up in to daily pieces by giving attention to your personal scorecard - daily. Each day do some sort of activity that is dedicated to your goal - again, no matter how small.
 
Example : Monday I might view a YouTube video. Tuesday I will attempt to recall and put that into practice. Wednesday I will consult a reference book or online material. Thursday I will watch another online video. Friday I will review  and recall new concepts I've learned.
 
Step 5 : Pause mid-week and do a course correction check. Am I meeting my daily goal? If yes, then GREAT! If no, take action to correct your behavior.
 
Some helpful methods :
-Put an actual reminder on your calendar for Wednesday morning. This way, the days don't continue to roll by without action and with the ultimate result of abandoning your plan...AGAIN!
-Set a second calendar reminder for mid-day on Wednesday. Try to hold yourself accountable!
-On Friday, set a final reminder to accomplish your goal.
 
Be honest with yourself. Are you making small strides in meeting your daily goal? This will keep moving the needle forward.
 
What are the pitfalls? People often start by setting goals too high. Sure, you should "reach for the stars," but you have got to start with reaching out to what is right in front of you first!
 
Look at it as taking baby steps or how you might manage any other project - in incremental steps and successes. After all, this is your most important project: YOU!
 
My hope is always to motivate and aid you in getting where you want to be! Dedicate to do your own PERSONAL SCORECARD and carry it out to achieve transformation!

To your success,
 

Join the  #CourageousConversation movement 
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Trudy Talks Career Management
Trudy Talks Career Management

In this Houston Chronicle piece, learn about the motivation and goal-setting research of Dr. Edwin A. Locke (Univ. of MD-College Park). Dr. Locke's theory is widely regarded among the top management theories. His principles of motivation and goal-setting theory work in perfect tandem with personal scorecards.
Wisdom from Trudy
9.3.15 Be a Multiplier



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