The right operational tools for keeping plans on track

As an experienced leader, you have certainly impacted a handful of major business situations during your work life. They may have included: a property turnaround, a large club project, an additional business category, or even a new operation, created from the ground up. As an accomplished leader, experiencing new, extraordinary business situations provides critical tools that can pay dividends for years and years. These tools help supercharge both individual confidence and the knowledge that knowing the landscape diminishes future angst and stress.

Operators enter new projects with a plan, confidence, a budget (or goal) and a completion date. They move forward, maybe hit a snag or two and begin to worry. This worry does not wear well at times on the faces of those responsible. What can be done to manage through the stalemates? What might be the more realistic end goal to a situation riddled with question marks?

In this In My Opinion post, I offer three thoughts on the subject of projects, turnarounds and the anxiety in the middle. After being involved in several projects, special events and start-ups, working with very talented people, I discovered that while time is rarely on one’s side, there are ideas that can help keep a plan and team to remain on track. Here are three thoughts on getting the team through those inevitable snags:

From the start, take off your manager’s cap. You are the coach, head cheerleader, and mentor to all on the project. As the leader with the highest vantage point, you know where things should lead, you watch for trouble ahead and you maneuver all through the twists and turns to keep the project and people out of harm’s way. Going into each day with a positive attitude, authentic and real, will provide confidence and open skies to the team and the project. Project confidence always.

Take the time to celebrate each win along the path. Time and money are being spent every day. While this is true, stepping back to celebrate wins and acknowledge good things is critical to keeping the project moving on track, as well as showing the team that you appreciate their efforts. It is so easy to put one’s head down and just keep grinding. We know that the work does not stop. Doing this will not help the project, however, nor give the team the essential charge they require when those stalemates arise. Get creative and take the time to celebrate as you challenge people to give their best. If there are incremental bonus dollars available, distribute them often, adding a bit of “show” to each presentation.

As the leader, you own the patience franchise. When time drags and snags hit, you are there to listen, encourage and offer a few well-timed positive words. As the leader, you are the hub for staff, suppliers and customers. While this turnaround might start a bit slow, in time the newness of things will move all to a more positive state. Self-talk here is important. Plan early to find your encouragement in music, podcasts, reading or whatever moves you to a calm, positive attitude. Work on yourself each day, before you get to work. Your face and your body language are the billboards the staff watches to find their mojo, their “why” each day. Project your best, before you do your best.

Moving out of the everyday, the regular open and close, takes a different mindset, a different plan of attack. As the leader, you are all of these things and more. As the person who has the ear of the owners, as well as the team, you sit on valuable ground with the ability to change minds and direction when things are moving off center. The secret is staying in the fray. Being in the mix each day will help you affect changes in the moment. Begin with the end in mind. Project the thought of what this thing will be when you receive the key, cut the ribbon or simply open the new doors. Remember to keep things positive, always positive.

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Jack Dillon writes the In My Opinion posts. Jack is an author, a speaker, and a merchant. He is available to speak with your team on a number of operational and service processes. He is also the merchandise buyer at The Happiest Place on Turf! Learn more at www.youdontknowjackd.com. You can also call Jack at 407-973-6136. Let’s get to work. See you soon or at the Show! Jack lives in Orlando.