Look Back, Not Forward to Understand How to Proceed

Winter becomes the season of opportunity. We see this every four years when a new President of the United States enters the office, after being sworn in, and immediately begin their 100-day plan. Most Presidents have been campaigning on issues they feel strongly about; therefore, as soon as the transfer of power is complete, they want to spring into action. The media continually monitors what part of the 100-day plan becomes enacted. Many in business, coaching, and educating borrow the same concept of having a 100-day plan whenever the opportunity arises.

A new opportunity means change is in the air. Some changes might affect us negatively, while others might offer us our “once in a lifetime” moment. When that “once in a lifetime” moment arrives, we tend to have a plan in our minds on how we see ourselves contributing to the organization. We seek to provide a new vision, a fresh perspective, a new direction, and, most of all, a new culture, which is essentially our 100-day plan.

Yet in reality, we have this all wrong. How can we create a 100-day plan without understanding the truth? The truth about why the individual we are succeeding failed? Many times we allow our egos to believe we are far better than the person we replaced. We believe taking over, establishing our new plan, the “once in a lifetime” moment, will become a dream come true. Wrong. How do we know what to do if we don’t understand the reasons we received our moment. Yes, talent allows us to extend our reach, but without a complete understanding of the dangers in the jungle, we will fall short and be underprepared. Remember the famous quote, the forest is never dangerous, if you know the trails. Instead of a 100-day plan moving forward, cultivate a two-week plan, and look back.

• Show empathy. Respect and appreciate the person who came before you. Renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.” Dr. Angelou reminds us that empathy is not some intangible characteristic that some are born with, and others are not. We all have the power to truly feel another person’s struggles if we only take the time and thought to do so.

• Make each team member write a detailed report in their opinion of why the company has not succeeded in its fullest potential. This is a no-fault document. Along with expressing the faults, the member must offer their solutions. Every report will remain confidential.

• Make no decisions until all the research is complete. Offer anyone the opportunity to leave on their own free will. Inform everyone until the thorough examination is over to continue to work to the best of their ability.

• Meet everyone in the organization face to face, including the ancillary staff. Ask direct questions of their jobs, take notes in front of them, make them feel their words are important and matter.

• Change the work ethic through your work hours. Show up early and stay late. Strive to be productive, not busy. Don’t judge anyone, but observe. Write down your thoughts each day.

Once equipped with these insights, then spring into action. Your original course of action could have been correct, but now supported with this new information, you can proceed with a brighter and more concise plan. When in doubt, humble yourself and don’t initially look forward, always look back.

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