Beginning With the End in Mind: 3 Steps for Leadership Teams

To some people, being a backward thinker means having a limited view of the world. When I work with leadership teams, I like to challenge them to think of a different kind of backward thinking.

Stephen Covey said to “Begin with the End in Mind” in his bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

There are three steps to beginning with the end in mind, and I’d like to share them with you and explain each one.

1. Identify Your Organization’s Long-Term “Going to the Moon” Goal

I start my clients with the first component of backward thinking by asking: What is the larger than life, long-term goal of the organization?

For some clients, this can be truly inspirational. It’s their “going to the moon” statement. When first vocalized, it will be both terrifying and invigorating. When President John F. Kennedy said the U.S. would land a man safely on the moon, this statement was met with bewildered astonishment. Yet this statement inspired many to pursue careers in science and make President Kennedy’s dream a reality.

So, what’s your “going to the moon” goal or vision?

It should be larger than life. It should be between 5 and 30 years out. And it should be specific, measurable, and inspirationally challenging.

It should evoke a quickness to the heart and an expression of wonder should it be achieved. For example, Coca Cola had the modest goal of putting a Coke within the reach of every human being on the planet, and I think they did pretty well.

2. Envision a Three Year Picture Grounded Upon Your Larger Inspirational Goal

Ask yourself and envision: What are the characteristics of the firm at the end of the next three years?

Paint a brief picture of no more than 15 bullet points, beginning to describe what your business will look like. How many employees will you have? What will your facility look like? What new markets will you have entered? What new divisions will have opened? What new software will you have mastered?

Dream out loud and be bold. Imagine you’re looking back at the Earth from the moon, and think about how you got there.

3. Determine Your Organization’s One Year Plan

What are five to seven key goals for the upcoming 12 months? These specific and measurable targets should focus all your efforts during the next year, and achieving them should support both your 3-year and 10-year goals.

So, consider these three elements as the foundation for some great backward thinking. Starting with the end in mind will provide the crisp clarity and focused execution you need while eliminating the bright, shiny objects that distract every leadership team along the journey.

Think backward and don’t play small ball.

Tell Me Your Vision, and We’ll Identify Your Goals Together

It’s easy for me to write this all down, but the long term goals often come as a result of conversation, so let’s think through your long term goals and shoot for the moon together!

I’d love to help you visualize and achieve your “going to the moon” goal! I use the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) as a framework for helping Philadelphia businesses make their leadership teams more disciplined and productive. My clients say that my training sessions have completely transformed their businesses.

Give me a call at 215-593-7235 and tell me your vision. You can also contact me online to schedule a quick and confidential call.

Stay focused!