Strive for Excellence - Part Two

Last week, I led my team of air personalities through a simple plan that I hope will lead the product we broadcast into excellence. It was a simple plan, but one that is sure to bring immediate results.

In short, I asked my team to use a simple table to plan out their radio air shifts. I wanted them to know what they were going to say in advance of turning on their microphone. For them, I created the equivalent of a road map.

When you want to strive for excellence, whether it is at home, on the job, or even while taking a trip, you need a road map. In finances, this is called a budget. In business, we call it a strategy meeting. I think you get the idea.

Here's a few tips:

• The plan you create doesn't have to be complex. In fact, many times simple is better, because simple is easier to understand.
• Your plan must have measurable goals. Without them, you'll never know if you're on the right track.
• Your goals must be both challenging and achievable. It's good to think of them as stair steps (intermittent goals) leading to the final goal.
• You must keep regular tabs on the plan. If you let it sit without occasional check-ups, your plan will derail.
• Allow your team to have some input in shaping the plan. This encourages buy-in, and buy-in increases the chances of success.
• Don't let your team hijack the plan. It is the leader's job to ensure the end goals are achieved. The follower won't always understand the leader's determination to meet those goals.
• Celebrate your team as they meet the different goals in your plan. Encouragement goes a long way toward increasing buy-in and raising morale.

Do you have any other ideas on how to strive for excellence? I'd love to hear them.