It's time to ensure you have next steps in place.
'Next Steps to Success' is a simple tactic to ensure that progress on a topic is made clearly, quickly and precisely.
Ken Blanchard has a great little (and as always, easy to read) book called 'The One Minute Manager meets the Monkey'. This is all about the 'monkey'.
By ensuring that there is always a 'next step' in any discussion, issue or problem, which is clearly defined, owned by someone and timescaled, you will be much more likely to have progression.
So what is this 'next step' and how does a monkey fit into all this?
Well, the 'next step' is some actual piece of activity that someone (and it is best if it isn't you! I'll come on to that later), takes accountability for delivering, demonstrably and in a certain timescale.
If you've come across SMART objectives, it's along those lines and very tactical. It happens and happens fast - usually.
This 'next step' in a process, means that things keep moving and someone is signed up to the progress by doing the next link towards the final outcome. Think of it as a monkey jumping from each person's shoulder to the next. The 'doer' takes the monkey with them - and you ensure that it isn't usually you!
By keeping this as the goal, step by relevant next step, the overall outcome is achieved.
Who is the 'doer'? Well, that depends on who is best placed to do the doing! In developmental management and team cultures, as many individuals as possible get involved in taking the 'next step' (carrying off the monkey!).
Whilst it is easy for a manager to take the brunt of these, it is very useful to help others take these 'next steps, even if they are not experts in that area of their work.
Using 'next steps' as a developmental exercise can be very valuable for individuals who want to stretch their experience and develop their capabilities.
Without just 'dropping them in it', by providing ongoing support, whilst giving them the accountability to deliver (a strong learning in itself), a manager can evolve a highly skilled and broadly experienced team around who will enable continuity when times get tough.
And a succession planning process which evolves without too much effort.
Things get done, people get developed, the manager delegates effectively, making the best of his or her time.
Now how great a solution is that then!
Martin Haworth is a business and management coach and trainer, working with a range of clients from corporates to individuals worldwide. www.MartinHaworth.com
To learn more about this author, visit Martin Haworth's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Four Simple Steps To Higher Productivity
|
| |
Follow these four steps to be more productive with your time.
|
|
Small Steps to Reduce Climate Change
|
| |
We have all heard the publicity about global warming and the Greenhouse effect. Surprisingly some people still ask if this is belief or scepticism. We need to be clear on this. 99% of scientists consider global w...
|
|
Mastering The Secret and Create Success!
|
| |
Some people can't accept the fact that the basic steps in mastering the secret are easy to understand. Mastering these steps can help you succeed in business and in life.
|
|
Belief
|
| |
What do you believe in?
Ponder that for a few moments...
|
|
Crafting Powerful Goals
|
| |
Action Steps are critical to your success. Think of Action Steps as the building blocks or the rungs on a ladder leading toward your goals. These action steps are the small daily things you do each and everyday. Eve...
|
|
|
Martin Haworth
(Visit Martin's Website)
Martin Haworth is a Business and
Management Coach & Trainer. Combining his
20+ years hands-on management experience
with independently accredited coaching
skills, Martin has an eclectic range of
clients. From managers of small,
developing businesses and their teams,
through to one-on-one work with senior
executives, he enables a new generation of
managers - and their businesses - to meet
their potential - and deliver performance
they only dreamt about. Martin
Haworth.com
|
|
|
Martin Haworth's
Complete
List Of
Business-Coach
Articles
|
|
If you enjoyed this article, get Martin Haworth's Complete List of Business-Coach Articles For FREE!
|
|
|
|
