Why Strategic Plans Are Important, & Relevant?

While many organizations have heard of strategic planning, and even claim to strategically plan, few actually do so effectively. Many organizations and their leaders discuss strategic planning as if it is some sort of panacea for "fixing" the organization. That expression is almost as misused as "getting to the next level." It is somewhat amazing that few organizations, and few leaders seem to comprehend that strategic planning must be an ongoing process, if it is to be an effective use of time. Otherwise, what many organizations refer to as strategic planning ends up being little more than an exercise in philosophy and oration. It is important to understand that while this article goes into specifics as they pertain to organization, strategic plans (and planning) are essential, for successful real estate transactions (agent and client must discuss goals and strategies, in detail), as well as regarding the relationship between financial adviser and client.
 
The first step in effective strategic planning is to properly identify where an organization (or individual, business, etc) is at presently, and how it got there. What is the history of the organization, and how does that and the organization's mission impact its planning? How can the organization evolve to improve, while maintaining its reason for being? Strategic planners must carefully understand the ramifications of its actions, or conversely, what the impact of not acting might be.

This process must identify both the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, as well as the reasons and causes for each. All too often, so-called strategic planners inaccurately identify either strengths or weaknesses, or both, and then make decisions or recommendations based on false or faulty premises. This is often seen, especially on the weaknesses sign, when an organization is facing a challenge in a specific area, and often oversimplifies, misinterprets, or misunderstands the reason for the obstactle. When planning begins based on inaccurate premises, the plan is doomed from the onset. Never proceed with discussing, creating, developing and focusing on goals, priorities and concerns, whether this is for organizations, businesses, or individuals)!
 
Strategic planners must consider all alternatives in their deliberations. They must consider factors such as short-term, intermediate-term and long-term impacts, ramifications, costs both in terms of financial as well as personnel related. Costs include not only direct costs, but also indirect costs, such as the wastes and excesses. Planners must consider multiple alternatives, and weigh all relevant factors in analyzing ideas.

Strategic planning necessitates entering the process with an open mind, and considering alternatives. Where many organizations drop the ball, however, is that after they expend considerable time, energy and other resources in the process, they do not develop an action plan to assure the timely achievement of the plan.

Everything New Is NOT Always Better!

With all the new technology and technological advances, many people seem to believe that because it is newer, it must therefore be better, or more enhanced. While that is true when it comes to certain technologies, there are still certain examples when newer is not better. Examples mostly include industries where technology and service are either combined, or need to go hand in hand, such as telephone service and airline travel. While there certainly have been significant technological advances in both of these circumstances, it can be argued that the overall experience has not been improved significantly, if at all. As we approach another new year, let's hope that there's lots of great advancements and improvements, but that more people question new things, rather than merely following the crowd, in order to fit in!

1. Once upon a time, we had one telephone company which supplied our telephone equipment, maintained our internal and external wiring, and provided generally reliable service. Those classic black phones may not have been terribly stylish, but few of us even remember one of them not functioning. If we had any difficulty, we made one call to one company, and the problem was soon resolved. Today, land line telephone service is outnumbered by voice over internet services (VOIP), as well as by wireless/ cellular service. Our telephone equipment rarely lasts too many years, and it is next to impossible to find anyone to service it, and it is generally cost prohibitive to repair, so we simply purchase another telephone. It seems to me that there are far more dropped calls today, or some other static, interference, or trouble with our lines. Many people have abandoned land lines completely, depending entirely on their cell phone, but we all have experienced cell phone dead zones at one time or another. Relatively speaking, it is true that this competition and the enhancements has brought about lower pricing, but at what sacrifice. And, have you tried to get through to your telephone provider? How much of our time is wasted simply waiting to be connected with a real human being? With all the sophistications and enhancements, have you noticed better customer service, because I have certainly not? The entire mobile phone system seems to be based on building nearly - always on planned obsolescence!

2. In the latter part of the 1970's, the airline industry was deregulated, with the expressed intent of trying to provide more competition, and thus lower pricing for the consumer. While pricing was immediately lowered, have you flown recently? Spirit Air actually charges for carry on bags, while almost all domestic carriers have some sort of fee for checking bags. Meals on a domestic flight, forget about it! Legroom on most carriers is almost non existent. Customer service seems almost an anachronism! Most remarkably, with all the technology, it actually takes longer on many routes today than it used to.

While technological enhancements are nice, they are not always that essential. Yes, many smart phones have lots of applications, but many of those come at some cost, either for the app itself, the data used, the type of phone needed, etc. And, no matter what cell phone or computer or tablet you have today, chances are it will be either outmoded or run of the mill pretty soon! Lets's celebrate technology, but put these advancements into perspective!

Let's continue to evolve, and embrace good changes. At the same time, let's examine what is worth keeping, and preserve, and make improvements, without automatically discarding it, This refers to both products and ideologies!

True Happiness Comes From Helping Others!

The Founder of the renowned civic organization, Grand Street Boys, the late Judge Jonah Goldstein was fond of saying, "Happiness is the one thing in life that multiplies by division. The more you give to others, the more you have for yourself." Goldstein used this expression repeatedly at meetings in the 1940's. If everyone followed this, wouldn't the world be a better place? Dictionary.com offers two definitions for happiness: "1. the quality or state of being happy 2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy." At the same time, Dictionary.com offers three definitions of happy: "1.pleased or delighted 2. pleasing 3. bringing good luck; fortunate." Obviously, Judge Goldstein felt strongly that for one to be truly happy, he must repeatedly bring joy to others as well as himself, thus providing one with a sense of joy, pleasure, delight and contentment.

So many people today seem to follow the "What's in it for me?" philosophy. It seems that too many people today often only "do the right thing" if they believe it will somehow materially benefit them. However, when one realizes that many of the wealthiest individuals in the world are also amongst the most miserable, it takes far more than merely the accumulation of material things, or self- satisfaction, to bring about true happiness. How many truly happy people can you honestly say that you know? Regardless of your field of endeavors, or whether you are the performer, or using the services of a particular representative, you'll never get what you want, or need, until and unless, you strive to make those you serve happy, and seek true happiness, by being true to your ideals, etc. This is particularly relevant, when it comes to either being a Real Estate professional, or using the services of one, because, only when you please yourself with your commitment to your principles, ideology, and maintain absolute integrity, are you making both yourself, and your clients, truly happy!
 
Besides being a well known judge in New York, Jonah Goldstein was famous for founding a civic and philanthropic group known as Grand Street Boys. Almost all the members of Grand Street Boys were professionals- - most of which were attorneys. The legal profession has often been much maligned, yet it is one of the first professions or occupations with an organized methodology of "giving back" to the most needy, via the "pro bono" process. Attorneys are regularly expected to, and do, perform a certain amount of "pro bono," or free legal work, for those unable to afford the cost of legal representation. Judge Goldstein encouraged widespread discussion and fabulous debating during the Grand Street Boys meetings, and in an interactive manner, encouraged members to "give back" to society, in any number of manners.

Why are so many "troubled" individuals so very unhappy? Some people have attributed this unhappiness to a variety of items, including financial reversals, financial pressures, "personal problems," or the often-stated, "He's just not a very happy person." Yet, all evidence points to the fact that those individuals that appear to be "happiest" are often those that "give back" more to society and to mankind. "Giving back" does not have to be financial, but it can be. However, merely donating money generally does not create the level of happiness that non- financial volunteerism does. Think about the people you have met who are the happiest - - - aren't they invariably the ones who volunteer more, are more charitable, and/ or more philanthropic? Should this not be a valuable lesson to all of us, and to society, especially in these difficult economic times, when many worthwhile charities so much need assistance?

Judge Goldstein was certainly a sage. He was an incredibly successful man professionally, yet he got more pleasure, fulfillment and happiness from "giving back" than from anything else. Wouldn't our world, especially in these troubling and trying times, be far better off if more of us emulated him?

Provide Value First, And Success Will Follow!

How many times have you, or someone you known, insisted they their goal was to become truly successful, while often never really describing what success meant to them? Success is not something to be focused upon, but rather will come as a result of our attitudes, actions, how meaningful our visions and goals might be, our personal values, and especially, whether we prioritize providing value to others on a consistent basis. When we focus solely on our personal benefit, as well as the what's in it for me prioritization, we may observe short term or even intermediate term basis, but will almost never become truly successful. Success, in the longer term, is almost invariably based on the value that we provide to others as a result of our attitudes, efforts, and actions taken.

1. Step number one must always be to do the right thing! Unfortunately, however, far too few individuals permit themselves to objectively view their personal attitudes, and without knowing and understanding oneself, it is nearly impossible to become value - oriented. By providing value, you are able to motivate others to care more, do more, and become far more loyal and involved!

2. The next component of achieving true success is refocusing one's mindset from focusing on how much money or credit you'll receive on a particular deal or action, but rather seeking to provide real value. Doing this will indicate to others how much you care, as well as the fact that you are a quality individual of absolute integrity. The side effect of doing so is invariably that this value will make it far easier to develop referrals, repeat customers, loyal clients, motivated followers, etc. Providing value helps to create a stronger bond which attracts quality individuals to care more about what you say and do!

3. What value do you add, and how? Do you ever actually think about that, and if so, do you so as a primary action, or merely tangentially? What do you mean by this term? What steps do you take on a regular basis? Do you possess an attitude of constructively moving forward, or are you often doubtful? Do you see challenges, or is everything a problem to you? What actually motivates you, and why?

While most people might claim that they hope to either be a success or have success, few ever take the time and effort to consider what that means to them. Unless success becomes a byproduct of your actions and efforts, and unless value and values are your primary motivations, any success realized will be more fleeting than enduring.

What It Means To Do Your BEST?

Why do individuals so often seem bewildered about the level of their results, when they fail to effectively focus upon, and aim to perform at their highest quality? When we proceed with a less than stellar mindset or attitude, is it reasonable to anticipate and expect the optimal results? It is so much easier for most of us to complain about things, and blame others when we don't achieve as we would like, than it is to actually do something that changes what occurs! When was the last time that you asked yourself, What it means to do your BEST? 

1. Beware of falling into that easy trap of expecting results to be as desired even though you do little of a proactive nature to achieve! Do you bring your A game each and every time, or are you satisfied with merely doing good enough? In order to get the results you seek (and believe you deserve), you must begin doing what you need to do! Would others describe you as bright and inspirational, or would they see you as having little meaningful impact?

2. The main focus of getting quality results is focusing on, and never accepting anything less than personal excellence. Proceed along whatever path you select in an eager manner, welcoming challenges rather than fearing possible problems. The finest performances are often the result of our enthusiasm and enjoyment of what we are doing. Remember that doing your best is rarely a sprint, but rather based on one's endurance.

3. What are your personal goals, or in other words, what do you strive to achieve? Are you weak and ineffective, or have you sought making yourself as good as you can be, by identifying and maximizing your inner strenghth and fortitude. If you want to be your best, you can never settle for so - so, but rather must strive for personal excellence in everything you do.

4. Do you opt for procrastination, or do you generally proceed in a timely manner? Are you willing to undergo whatever training you need, so that you can develop the finest techniques that make you better? Do you merely say that you will try, or do you consistently proceed forward with your maximum effort? Becoming your best often means challenging yourself to be better, and testing your willingness to do what you say you will do.

Doing your best and claiming that you are, are often quite different! Be the best that you can be!

What's The Best Way to Respond to E - mails?

Far more communication today is done electronically or digitally than any other way. In fact, while the average email is responded to within approximately twenty four hours, the typical text is responded to in minutes. Some have even postulated that this has made email today's "snail mail."
While people answer texts far sooner than emails, much more detailed information is often transmitted via email. Therefore, what is an acceptable time period to respond to email? The answer to that often relates to circumstances, and such factors as whether someone carries a BlackBerry or iPhone type of device  (or any of today's Smartphones), or if someone is in an office with computer access. However, as someone who has consulted to businesses and organizations on Customer or Member Services for over three decades, the answer from a company or management's perspective should be almost immediate. If someone carries a Smart Phone with email capabilities, the receiver of an email should respond almost immediately, either with an answer, or when an answer will be forthcoming. In certain industries, such as real estate, it has been found that there is a direct correlation between sales and listings, and response time to emails, because the consumer realizes that there is competition, and will "shop" elsewhere. How quick is fast enough? They used to say, half an hour, then fifteen minutes, yet, in today's increasingly digital world, and especially when dealing with so - called millenials, unless you respond nearly immediately, they will simple follow the philosophy of NEXT, and move to the next agent, etc.

Similarly, in an organization, if a member emails the headquarters office, or any of the Officers or Board Members, that member is entitled for a prompt response. The easiest way to demotivate a member, and to create member resentment is to ignore a request, no matter how minor. Those in leadership positions should emphasize responsiveness as a major tenet of operational responsibility and responsiveness.

The odd thing is that often the same individuals who complain about how someone else takes so long to respond, are just as bad themselves. Of course, not every email requires or needs a detailed response, yet there should be some response to the sender indicating response of the email and the action that will be taken. This can be short and to the point, yet it indicates a caring and responsiveness, thus making the sender feel that his interests and concerns are being, or will be addressed in the near future.

As someone who has been involved in both Leadership and Sales Training for over three decades, I have always emphasized responsiveness. It is rude and wrong to not return telephone calls, or give someone a complete answer. It is equally wrong and ill advised to not respond immediately to emails, even if it means just sending an email immediately saying it will be looked into, and you will get back to the person. This should be and is common sense, but as we know, common sense is rarely common.

Those That Don't Know Must Reserve Comments Until They Do!

There is very little as aggravating to a professional consultant than when ill-informed individuals find it irresistible to offer their opinions on issues that they have little to no knowledge. Perhaps the most aggravating is when these individuals banter around numbers, financial figures, or analysis based on incorrect or faulty premises. One of the major "problems" with using data or numbers, is that it often follows the computer rule of "junk-in, junk-out." All too many untrained individuals either misinterpret data, or do not actually understand it, yet find it seemingly impossible to "remain on the sidelines" when they have nothing to offer. Whether this relates to organizations, politics, individuals, or consultants/ agents/ representatives (including Real Estate Professional, and Financial Advisers), it would be beneficial if the attitude of "piling on," or merely speaking to hear themselves speak, would and could be avoided!
 
As a professional negotiator and conference/ convention/ event planner/ organizer for more than three decades, it is even more aggravating dealing with these types of individuals, because their momentary lapses in judgment, are so often extremely detrimental to achieving optimum results. A quality, professional negotiator understands, almost to a science, what needs to be negotiated, and what is realistic and fair to ask for. Asking either too much or too little can be potentially equally disastrous to getting the best results in a negotiation. The opinions and interference caused by often well - intentioned, yet nearly clueless individuals regarding conference/ convention/ event planning and organization, can cause poor planning, lack of preparedness, efficient time utilization, etc.
Prompt responsiveness is essential in many aspects of various dealings. While professionals generally understand and appreciate this necessity, others often procrastinate or delay, which in many instances, causes cost overruns, inadequate or proper planning, and lack of necessary and proper attention to detail.Similarly, everyone seems to have an opinion, and most can't avoid the tendency or temptation, to voice it, regardless of whether it is factually based, and this often creates disastrous results as related to real estate and investing.

One of the most overused terms by these types of individuals is "micromanagement." It seems that whenever someone tries to explain away a lack of preparedness, they say they don't want to micromanage. To make it even worse, many of these individuals become "defensive" and object to receiving input, because they claim that they "refuse to be micromanaged." What does that mean? If one does not give feedback that is necessary to remedy and correct errors, the professional is neglecting his duties. Yet, the same individuals that are so woefully inadequately prepared in terms of understanding necessary issues, will complain that giving them input is micromanaging.

If all volunteer leaders were so well prepared in all necessary aspects, then there would be no need to utilize the services of a professional consultant. Unfortunately, however, most individuals that ascend to positions of organizational leadership are often not prepared. While it might be considered somewhat harsh to refer to many of these people as "clueless," that is often the case. Many of these well - intentioned individuals are in way over their heads.

This will continue to happen as long as organizations do not recognize that training is so essential for leaders. Organizations using professionally designed and administered leadership training programs generally experience far better leaders, and evolve successfully.