THE CALL TO ACTION
Six Honest Serving Men

My grandfather would say to me, “There are six honest serving men, they taught me all I know:  Where and why, when, how, what and who.”  This is relevant since in many situations we see issues discussed in meetings which are not acted upon after the meeting.  Another meeting has to occur in order to discuss what was already discussed. We had one client hire us that had a magnificent business strategy, but little to no action on what needed to happen.  Another client was doing weekly huddles, sharing information and reporting to each other without clear actions.  Another owner was “doing it all” and having to respond with limited help from his team.  In all three of these situations, the inability and delay in taking action created:

1. Slow progress
2. Wasted time
3. Crushed excitement and enthusiasm
4. Limited results
5. Eroded profits
6. Additional vulnerability to external uncontrollables

In each of these situations, we taught a model of facilitation for discussion focused on what the business needed along with a written action plan that was circulated to all attendees.  When we do this, we can:

1. Cause more action
2. Open communication and accountability channels
3. Improve mutual accountability
4. Align people and departments more effectively
5. Create excitement and enthusiasm
6. Identify valuable by-products from the actions
7. Motivate individuals and the team to be more creative
8. Share the fun
9. Limit negative consequences from external factors
10. Increase profits

All three of these situations mentioned above very quickly and clearly reversed themselves.  The owners were amazed and surprised at the additional help, motivation and most of all, the productive results that were achieved.

Attached is a sample Action Plan.  Please note that it includes different types of actions:  Urgent Do’s, Prevention Do’s, Strategic Do’s, Development Do’s, Stop Doings and Modify How Doing.  Across the top, the columns are for five of the six honest serving men:  Who, What, When, How and Why.

In summary, everything that we do with our team of people must involve a clear definition of action and a call to action with a deadline.  The attached action plan can be a great start to getting better results in your business.

 The Comprehensive Independence Builder
If you are interested in learning more about The Tactical Planner and how it can help you avoid or escape inaction, please contact us.

You may also wish to learn more about our unique process for Business Owners called The Comprehensive Independence Builder TM, in which we address all of the obstacles you face and help you use innovative strategies to protect and enhance your business, improve your quality of life and better achieve your goals. 

To schedule your Independence Exploration Session or for more information on Goal Setting, please contact us at 800-786-4332 ext. 108, or dhadley@ffgusa.com.

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Donald F. Hadley, CFP®, ChFC®, MSM
FFG Companies, Inc.
4009 Village Park Drive
Knightdale, NC 27545
800-786-4332 X108 phone
919-261-9850 main number
919-261-9849 fax
919-614-2096 mobile
dhadley@ffgusa.com