Our Leadership Quote of the Week is MIND THE GAP which comes from London where signs and audio announcements repeatedly warn passengers to MIND THE GAP between the train and the platform.
I brought the phrase back to the United States to use as a reminder to MIND THE GAP to goal. And that’s because I see so many goals that fall between the cracks, or shall we say, gaps. Here are three scenarios I see repeated over and over, followed by 10 tips for prevention.
- An individual sets a goal and gets discouraged or distracted. Then decides, “What’s the use in setting goals? I never make them.”
- A manager sets a goal for staff members, doesn’t mention it again and then wonders why her team isn’t more committed to the goals.
- A manager sets a goal for staff members. Several members of the team make the goal but the manager doesn’t notice (or at least doesn’t mention it), so the next time the manager sets a goal, most people just ignore it because they have other things to do. And you know what? They might even ignore this manager altogether.
Put MIND THE GAP to work, and people can get busy with other things, but be reminded that the gap is there. And the size of the gap tells them the size of the step needed. Or it could tell them that help is needed. That training is needed. That a pep rally is needed. And when the individual or the team closes the gap and makes the goal – what a BOOST to morale, productivity and overall performance!
Here are 10 tips to help you and your colleagues MIND THE GAP.
1. Post a progress to goal chart on a wall or website for all involved to see. It needs to clearly show THE GAP between where you are and where you want to be. For most goals, a thermometer works great. See samples below.*
2. As the manager or coach, you must review THE GAP (and the gap) daily (weekly could be appropriate if you have a longer time frame) and let others know you are doing so. The more you pay attention to it, the more they will pay attention to it.
3. Get others involved in helping you track (or fill in the chart).
4. Review and discuss progress at regular staff meetings
5. At each of these reviews, re-state the reason the goal is important.
6. Recognize and celebrate significant contributions or leaps (individual or group). Share the good news on the intranet, in press releases and newsletters.
7. Invite all to tell you about obstacles or gaps that seem too wide to jump or fill.
8. Brainstorm ways to overcome these obstacles or fill these gaps.
9. Choose the best ideas and write them into a game plan for all to follow. Confirm and reinforce this plan via e-mail, the intranet, newsletters or whatever vehicle is best for reaching those involved in filling the gap.
10. Repeat #2 – 9 until there is no longer a gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Jan helps leaders to take charge, make things happen and inspire others to do the same. Often this involves helping them learn to MIND THE GAP.
Related Articles:
*Note: For a recent and real life example of MINDing THE GAP, see snapshot (left) of our Blanket Orange County thermometer at various stages. I don’t believe we would have made the goal (and certainly not gone over) without it. It kept us focused; gave us a way to communicate with the media, donors and volunteers; and helped us revise our game plan appropriately along the way.
**Note: 10 by 10 on Tuesday (also known as a Quick List) is a weekly feature is for managers who don’t have time or don’t want to make time to read lengthy articles or even short paragraphs. Here you will find 10 tips or questions or steps or ways to Get 2 Goal or Be a Better Manager, etc). And it will be posted by 10 (AM – EST) on Tuesdays. Here’s our collection of Quick Lists to date.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 
