At the start of the time most people waste time conjuring-up goals and tasks they think will make a difference in their life. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's been proven time and again that most resolutions are ignored or just disappear after a few days (months for the real ambitious) of the new year.
Look how much grief and anxiety I've spared you. Make only one resolution and you are apt to achieve that goal. Everyone's annual resolution should be to educate oneself and endeavor to improve one's own performance (business or personal). Never stop learning.
I'm not suggesting attending medical school nor necessarily learning about quantum physics (although they do sound like rather lofty goals). I'm merely suggesting improving basic skills used on a daily basis, wherever you fall on the spectrum of life (that might constitute your philosophical moment of Zen for the decade).
For those of you who are regular readers of my articles, you've come to appreciate I don't like making generalized statements without following it up with specifics. Whatever the vocation or profession, we all can improve on our approach and performance. Improvement might merely consist of working smarter and not harder, and doesn't always need to be related to dollars and sense.
There are many ways to improve job performance; attend a seminar, read (there's a four-letter word we don't hear enough of) a non-fiction book about your industry or players engaged in your product or service, take an introspective look into your habits and routine, solicit others to critique you.
One of the best methods for self-improvement is to hire a professional business and/or life consultant/coach. Whether running a Fortune 500 company, a small business or functioning in any capacity or business, a proficient consultant or coach can make significant contributions to your success. (Please note my choice of words like, “professional” and “proficient.”)
Many unemployed people have decided to become consultants or coaches. I'm not suggesting that they're not good at what they used to do for a living, but I am stating that just because you do something well doesn't translate to having the ability and acumen to help others. As a professional consultant and coach, I can't help someone interpret the big bang theory (no, I'm not referring to the TV show), but I can certainly assist them with the most productive methods and procedures to start, and complete, the process—as can most experienced (in consulting and coaching), well-educated coaches.
Consulting and coaching transcends product or service. Learning the mechanics of your trade or profession should be left to experts experienced in that specific field. Successful and effective consulting and coaching is an art and talent in and of itself.
Before accepting a consulting or coaching assignment I will always have an initial interview and needs assessment analysis. Some factors I'm trying to determine deal with the strengths and weaknesses of the individual (or organization), what they're trying to accomplish, the priority of their goals and aspirations and their expectations. Expectations are critical, as we've all heard the phrase, “Managing expectations.”
Then, and only then, can I, or any consultant or coach, prepare a plan for moving forward effectively. Keep in mind that you'll get what you pay for—hiring someone who's just wearing out his or her old clothes might be more detrimental than helpful. Interview your prospective consultant or coach the same as you would if you were hiring a new associate. This is not like speed dating, take the time to prepare your own agenda and make certain the consultant or coach accepts it or offers logical alternatives or add-ons.
A critical factor to consider is the cost associated with the agreed upon plan. If cost is a major consideration, you should communicate this to your prospective consultant or coach.
A proficient, experienced consultant and coach can approximate the time and cost for each determined goal or outcome. The process should not necessarily require completion of all goals in order to achieve any of the determined goals. For example, if you have six goals, and one of them is to improve sales performance (we all subscribe to the theory that, “Nothing happens until something gets sold”) your consultant or coach should be able to isolate improving sales and quote you a time and price to effectuate that goal.
Want to lose weight, climb Mt. Everest, develop a cure for cancer or learn the rumba? Making a resolution won't necessarily accomplish these or other goals and aspirations. When is the last time you, or anyone you know, has followed through and accomplished their resolution? I would respectfully submit they're far and few between.
Why set yourself up for disappointment. The only productive resolution you should consider is one that utilizes the services and expertise of a professional, proficient consultant or trainer.
Set your own goal(s) and/or time frame for results and you'll be pleased rather than frustrated. Make a resolution that engaging a consultant or coach will be your only resolution.
