School
started this week in Atlanta which means football season is here. Changes abound this time of year. Never
mind the August heat and humidity; it’s time for a fresh new start for millions
of kids, their families and their teachers. It’s time to set new goals
and rearrange priorities.
I have
often thought that one of the most dangerous places to be is between
goals. I compare it to the summer slump – school’s out, I did well and I
deserve a break. It can happen in business - I make the sale, I earned a
promotion and now I can coast for a while. What’s the danger?
Without a
long-term goal or vision, anyone can quickly lose focus. As one project
reaches completion, look ahead, cast a vision, and set a new goal.
Fortunately, I have had good mentors in my career and I benefited personally
from their examples.
In
business, it is critical to have vision, mission and value statements. The old
adage, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”, applies
here. Well-thought-out goals and objectives serve as curbs to lead us in the
right direction lest we get “off track”. At Hotel Equities, we ask
all team members to carry our vision, mission and value statements, which are included
on a tri-folded, pocket-sized, laminated Commitment Card, with them at all
times while they are at work. We then ask our General Managers to review
them during their daily team huddle time.
Here’s my
advice for the fall. Take an occasional breather, keep dreaming, and take
time to review your future focus and plan your next BHAG [Big Hairy Audacious
Goal].
Hospitably,
Fred
Cerrone
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