Happy New Year!! 🎉The confetti has fallen, the noise has faded, and now you’re staring at the year ahead. Do you have a bold new strategy you’re trying to get off the ground this year?
“I’m going to be blunt: there’s a very real risk that your strategy won’t go as planned. In fact, I guarantee it.
Every time you take a new direction, there are risks: the risk of getting lost, traffic jams and delays, the risk that a pothole blows out your tire, or the risk you miss a turn.
But despite these risks, people take new roads to new places every day.
To fast track your big idea, you need to plan for the risk upfront.
Leading a new strategy can be exciting and energizing, but it can also be frustrating, exhausting, and a bit daunting.
Getting everyone on the same page takes work, from your leadership team to your board of directors and funders, from your employees and supporters to your partners and customers.
It means dealing with unending questions and sometimes even questioning yourself.
The truth is that the success or failure of your strategy hinges on ONE critical factor: the people who need to take action.
You can have the most brilliant plan, but if you overlook the human element—their needs, concerns, and motivations—it will fail.
The good news? The keys to success aren’t magic. They’re straightforward and within your reach—but ignore them at your peril.”
This excerpt is from my upcoming book “Fast Track Your Big Idea!” where I distill the keys to launching a successful strategy into practical steps so you can inspire people to take action and achieve results faster.
You may be up to your elbows in action items and project spreadsheets planning your big launch. You may have a lot on the line.
🚀 But don’t let your strategy get stalled before it starts.
Ask yourself: Who needs to take action for this strategy to work, and WHY would they want to?
This ONE question can be a game-changer.
Welcome your thoughts!
— Susan
PS. If you are launching an important new initiative this year – or know someone who is — I’d love you to join me for a 1/2 day Strategy Reboot Workshop at the end of this month. We’ll tackle some of the common mistakes leaders make when launching a new strategy or getting one back on track. And you’ll walk away more confident and prepared.
Special Bonus – Every participant will get a free advanced copy of my book! Learn more about special discounts for nonprofits and teams in my first comment.
This article is part of my series, “Fast Track Insights”, providing practical ideas whether you are driving a new strategy (or getting one back on track). I want to help you avoid common mistakes. You can subscribe here to receive practical insights once or twice a month.
