Goal Seek: 4 Reasons Why You Should Work Backwards to Better Decision Making

How many times have you seen leaders, peers, and direct reports struggle through decision making or arriving at solutions in a timely fashion? How many times have you seen a select few seem to get to the same solutions quicker, and sometimes with better judgement and greater sense of conviction in their choice?

This latter group of people are what I deem to be "goal seekers". As opposed to starting at the beginning, they start at the end, or their conceptualized result and work backwards. It is a method of thinking that comes more natural to some than others, but it can be taught. 

I chose the term "goal seek" to describe this thought process because it is an effective function in the Microsoft Excel data program that allows you to enter your desired value, and the program will make you aware of what it takes to get there. This is commonly used for understanding payment amounts for money down, interest, or installments. 

'Goal Seek' is somewhat of a forest before the trees method of visualizing a solution before understanding the steps involved. This is effective in freeing oneself from constraints, overthinking possibilities, and losing course to the goal in mind. 

Rule #1: Know What You Want and Need

Consult at least one other trusted source to be sure your list of wants and needs are both honest and objective driven.  My after taught me from the bible that their is "wisdom in many counselors". Be sure that your counselors are wise. 

Rule #2: No Constraints/Creative Freedom 

Depending on your mindset, when we work through most issues we quickly begin to take into account what is and isn't realistic. This can sometimes be driven by items such as  budgets, ability, or even sometimes science. That being the case, when you start with the end in mind, you skip self imposed obstacles and traditional notions. Ask yourself " what does my result look like if I had full control"; or "In a perfect setting how would this exist?". Questioning that is positive and forward will help you arrive at your goal without initially compromising possibilities. 

Rule #3: Avoid Over Thinking Possibilities.  Maximize. 

If you are an over thinker, working backwards from the end is crucial in getting out of your own way. The idea that you envision a desired result without ever challenging its merit is a wonderful way of efficiently arriving at decisions. This will maximize the effort you spend on ways of working as opposed to whether it may work at all. This is because it will force you to poke holes in your own ideas. Now all you're missing is the courage to step out and execute. 

Rule #4: Stay on Target 

The last important asset to this approach, is that it helps you to avoid losing course to what you are seeking to achieve. While this method is not rabbit hole free, it does limit the number of side doors you duck into that draw you away from your solution. This approach should have you coming out on the right side. You set the destination—stay the course. 

The ability to effectively arrive at your desired solutions free of self imposed obstacles will help you to establish a belief in yourself–while unlocking creativity you may have never displayed before. Ideas and solutions that come from constrained free notions lead to the ultimate in progress and satisfaction. 

Now practice is in order...

30 for 30: 30 Lessons I Have Collected in My 30 Years of Life

This entry was inspired by the 30 for 30 documentary series on ESPN. In 2013 I turned 30– and for me this meant time to reflect, minimize mistakes, and accelerate...in theory. So, in no particular order you will find 30 lessons and pieces of wisdom I have gathered over the past 30 years. I had a lot off fun adding and deleting ideas and advice I felt was worthy of consideration. Who knows, I may be laughing at these 30 years from now...

 1.    A healthy perspective is invaluable. With one, life becomes a manageable maze as opposed to a series of dead ends 

2.   Understand what others value

3.    Relationships in all forms equate to a healthy balance of giving and taking. Be aware of which of the two you do most. 

4.    God is in control. We are sitting in his lap steering while he works the gas and brakes. 

5.    Living for the experience will minimize the pressure when it's time to perform. Soak it in.

6.    Responsibility breeds humility. You realize in most instances you drive the outcome and or experience for the benefit of someone besides yourself.

7.    My sincerity is best expressed in written word versus spoken. Write it down in order to be received the way you wish to be. 

8.    Exposure is everything. Maximize it. The people that are most successful have several instances of exposure through tireless work.

9.    Accountability is the key to growth, respect, and peace of mind. 

10.Be a resource personally and professionally and you will always have worth. 

11.Consume media that helps you get to who you want to be and where you want to be.  

12.Listen and try not to diagnose.

13.No matter how much money and success you amass, if you can't work with your hands. Eventually realize you are worthless in a post-apocalyptic society. Note to self–learn to build something! 

14.Food is my friend, supporter, and enemy. 

15.Life is more about positioning yourself for quality choices than about an actual choice that yields an outcome

16. In the bible love stands for sacrifice, therefore I believe love should be a competition of selflessness 

17. You will make mistakes and disappoint others. The goal is to avoid the same mistakes and avoid disappointing the same people the same way. 

18.  Never take yourself too seriously. Life is about course correction and not perfection.

19. Seek arenas that allow me to be vulnerable. Create that type of space for those I care about. 

20.To be my best self I have to know and neutralize what contributes to being my worst self. Self-awareness is important. 

21.There’s nothing new under the sun. Look for different ways and situations to apply what's been done. 

22.Find different ways to express thanks

23. God's favor is the only thing I have found that trumps hard work and talent. Pray and work hard. 

24.Ask better questions. Master asking quality questions.

25.You must understand people's motivations to understand their behaviors. Take time. Seek to understand before seeking to be understood. 

26. The slower the better is true for most everything….yep most everything 

27. 50 plus guys will shoot you straight when it comes to opinions. Keep access to them. It’s valuable to know truth.

28. My music must always be close by in order to immediately improve my state of being. 

29.I have yet to regret not getting more sleep…At some point I know I will.  

30.Think less, feel more. 

My 3 Favorite Pieces Advice from 2013

This has been the year of the mentor for me in 2013. People have positively impacted me personally and professionally through words, actions, and thoughtful questioning. Below reside three pearls of wisdom that stood out the most. 

1. You first must FIRST understand to be understood. 
2. Listen to evaluate and AVOID evaluating while listening.  
3. Leaders create meaningful change through:

• Being Proactive
• Being Positive 
• Being Personal

How to Create an Enjoyable Atmosphere for Learning: Courtesy of a 13 Year Old

More than ever companies value engaged associates. This means that organizations must allow for space and realizations that explain how people connect with each other and their work. What makes them happy? What helps inspire creativity? How do they learn best? 

The TED Talk given by a 13 year old student details the one common desire we as humans aspire to regardless of demographic–and it is happiness. In his TED talk he shares his educational journey to arrive at driving happiness while fulfilling his affinity for learning– which is not a chore in the right context. 

It seems to be a given, but how an organization leverages creating atmospheres and establishing a culture based on transparency and productive activity will make all the difference in levels of employee engagement.

Video: http://youtu.be/h11u3vtcpaY

'The Village': 7 Lessons from 3 Conversations on Aligning Culture and Diversity with Career Aspirations

There's a famous saying that reads "it takes a village". Originally these words uttered by Nancy Reagan, and then used by Hilary Clinton as a title to her book on how to help others. This message has always represented a rallying call to action for a group to come together and achieve– but more importantly to support one another. 

I recently stumbled across a village. A village filled with bright, accomplished, and savvy retired  baby boomers comprised of  African American men and women  who referred to themselves as "The village".  They were all people leaders in the CPG industry and  they formed alliances and networks committed to keep each other informed and encouraged in their individual paths to success. They were a group of dynamic individuals climbing the corporate ladder in their respective business segments, and they were supporting one another under the principle of– 'it takes a village'. 

I was priviliged to get the opportunity to speak to 4 members of this dubbed "unofficial" group in an effort to build an understanding around diversity and what it means to an organization and those within it. Three of the members retired in executive roles and one currently facilates corporate team building in the post retirement portion of his career.

Here are  7 things that I learned from the time I spent with "The Village":

Cross functional work assignments and positions shape diversity of thought in individuals and leaders. Seek it out. 

Diversity= different, but it starts with the inclusion of all– and leads to a culture that appreciates "different"—however you arrive on what "different" is. 

Deliver and Add Value

Regardless of your background, segment or intention, delivering results is #1 and everyone on the team should have the conviction to deliver

Know What YOU Want 

Understand that if your values do not match a company's culture that it is ok. 

Mentorship 

Mentorship is the most valued, genuine and unmeasured competitive advantage. Find it and pay it forward. 

Learn to Trust

Trust is key. A diverse organization lends the opportunity to stumble across similar individuals which can breed trust and synergy toward including who and what may be different. 

Progress is Made to Measure 

Have a way to measure progress, even for the intangibles. Driving engagement can yield business results if you can show you are the source of the success. 

Tenacity Wins

You will always have to strive to be the best to win, don't settle for relevance. 

These pearls of wisdom are outstanding examples of mentorship and perspective—'The Village' showed me both.

Thank you