“Screw It - Just do it” + The 6 P's
This is the time of year when Strategic Plans need to turn into action! I thought that I would lend some insight from both Sir Richard and my own experience with strategic planning and goal setting.
Excerpt from the book, Screw It - Let's Do It! by Sir Richard Branson.
Quote: "My motto really is: 'Screw it - just do it!'. Perhaps (people) are over-cautious, or suspicious of new ideas, or simply need time to think. If something is a good idea, my way is to work out how to make it happen. But what is worse: making the occasional mistake or having a closed mind and missing opportunities? If you don't have the right experience to reach your goal, look for a different way in. There's always a solution to the most complex problem."
This section clearly shows that Sir Richard would prefer to see action over inaction and is willing to take risks. Those risks have paid off, but more than a few of them have failed. While Sir Richard is certainly less afraid risk and failure than most business leaders, he also takes the time to assure success through people and teams that are informed and likely to achieve success.
Quote: "I believe in using and harnessing other people's knowledge and experience, which is why I like to work holistically, within a team. Harnessing energy is like harnessing brainpower. What's the point of selecting someone for a particular task if you ignore his or her experience and ability? It's like consulting experts and not even considering their advice."
Having people that can execute against a "Screw it - Just Do It" project requires a well orchestrated and thought through action plan that can identify and report out success. To do that, you need to be able to insert some process into the mix.
Meet The '6 P's'
While saying "Screw it - just do it" is certainly fun to say. Finding the right people, harnessing their energy, setting goals, and making ideas succeed is what defines successes. In a strategic planning session that I lead years ago the team coined an alliteration that has stuck with me ever since called, "The 6 P's"
"Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance"
If you combine the concepts of "Screw It, Let's Do" and "The 6 P's" you can harness success. The result is not getting STUCK in over analysis and empowering your people with the authority to move the plan forward. Sometimes this means finding new resources, re-assigning existing, or looking for outside help to get the required knowledge and experience your business or idea needs.
SMART Goal Setting
To help apply the concept of the 6 P's, I like to set up plans using SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time Bound). To get an idea of how to develop your own SMART goals for your next "Screw It" idea, I have inserted a video below that does a great job of demonstrating how to develop actionable goals.
For the rest of 2015, start with a BIG dose of "Screw It - Just Do It" then add in the right amount of the "6 P's" and commit to some "SMART" goals to live by and you will have a successful new year! Of course finding the right resources may get you there faster, so check out Outdoor Pursuits Consulting to see if we can help get you there.
Mike Wallenfels
Principal Guide
Outdoor Pursuits Consulting
