Friday, January 23, 2009

Obama's First 100 Days; What About Your Next 100?

Okay, so President Obama has been sworn in and the watch begins on his first 100 days. I'm not sure where the whole 100-day thing comes from in the first place, but the media watches each new president like a hawk these first 100 days. (Actually, why is it 100 days? Why not 50? 80? 103, maybe?)
I always liked the 100-day watch. It is a great way for a President to kick start his term, set the tone for his administration and it gives him a short time frame to accomplish goals. The 100-day goal makes him accountable.
When I purchased my business three years ago my business coach set up a 100-day plan to get me off and running. There was no time to gently ease into my new position. I had 100 days to make some changes. In my first 100 days I kicked an employee off the bus, added another and changed the way our product was distributed.
I've been thinking lately that this concept doesn't have to apply to just the very start of a situation. I mean, you could start off the year with a 100-day plan (change the way you sell, interact with employees or change your systems). Make yourself a 100-day plan and stick to it. It is a great way to force yourself to be accountable and turn your goals into reality.
--Ron Ameln, SBM