Professionals routinely use map applications to travel between physical locations. When they get off track, the application recalibrates to put them back on the most efficient path. This is similar to what happen with business journeys. As assignments and strategies move individuals and organizations to the next milestone, opportunities to take the wrong path occur. Often, the wrong path is no one’s fault. New information becomes available, or the landscape itself changes. Someone two miles away crashes and ruins your travel plans. Or, the big meeting’s location suddenly moves. Change becomes imperative when the destination suddenly changes. Recalibration gets plans back on the right track.

Setting New Paths
Success is a journey, not a destination. Whether someone hits their annual goals, falls short on quarterly targets, or effectively sandbags to earn their bonus, the ongoing journey requires recalibration to take in new information, then establish and pursue the next set of goals. Incorporate new information and honestly evaluate the capacity of available resources. Perform this task quickly. Environments are dynamic. On the highway to success accidents constantly occur creating traffic jams. Minimize their impact by steadily moving forward. Furthermore, winning strategies dictate constantly anticipating unexpected developments. Applying experience to predict possible disruptions allows progress to continue in case blockages happen. Better paths incorporate quantitative plans, strategic direction, and productive relationships. Ensure that these assets are available from the beginning. Recalibrating is an important tactic to deploy. Success demands using it, but only sparingly.

Keep Going Forward
Progress requires continuous action. Effective planning, then execution is a necessity. At year-end, ordinary organizations slow down. Progressive organizations proceed by planning during this time. Wildly successful organizations accelerate by embracing opportunities. Granted, it is difficult to sell when offices are closed, buyers’ budgets are spent, and holiday parties are calling. However, the sales process has more steps than “take the order”. Building relationships, establishing like and trust, demonstrating value are all essential steps that are not limited to business hours. By all means, go to Aunt Erma’s annual Ugly Christmas Sweater party. However, meet someone new at the party. Despite being a family gathering, new significant others appear at these events all the time. Make a new friend, especially one who can become a referral source. Or, grab an early morning coffee with a sphere of influence. Holiday and year-end events focus on relationships. Use that time for personal and professional advantage.

Many professionals shut down during the year-end holiday period. More entrepreneurial spirits change outfits and keep grinding. Personally wish a professional relationship, “Happy Holidays”, and express it genuinely. Then, seek a way to serve them better. Other service tactics can feature spending time with an established contact working on a community project of shared interest. Service can also be embracing a totally new experience, like reading to elderly patients in a hospital. Then, share the story through your media channels. It is OK to do good and do well. The destination is to create value in every interaction, just like you would during the rest of the year. Go the extra mile. It’s the season for giving. Don’t limit yourself to a fruitcake.

By Glenn W Hunter
Principal of Hunter And Beyond