To Be or Not to Be?

That is the question, as Shakespeare so eloquently wrote. 

For me, I’m choosing “To Be.”  My personal mantra for 2010 is to “Be Intentional.”  What value can I gain by creating and abiding by this mantra?  It comes down to some basic leadership principles.

Intentionality is Different than Strategy

Strategy is critical.  I’m not taking anything away from the importance of having both a clear vision and a strategy to achieve your vision.  That said, what’s important every day after these goals are in place is to have intentionality.

Take New Year’s resolutions as an example. Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals.  It’s common for people to set a goal and have a plan to achieve it.  What happens after a period of time, though, is they lose their intent.  Passion and motivation wane, and so intent goes by the wayside along with them.

We need to find ways to maintain our intentions.  We need to keep our goals top-of-mind, so that what we say and do are intentionally driving toward those goals.  For me, that means keeping goals visible as reminders, daily check-ins with myself analyzing how I spend my time each day, and communicating goals to people who I can trust to help hold me accountable.

The Power of WHY

I recently read a post by fellow leadership blogger, Michael McKinney entitled “The One Question You Should Ask Now.”  Yes, you guessed it – the question is “why?” and the truths in this article resonate loudly.

Michael writes about Simon Sinek’s book, Start With Why.  He references one quote, in particular that caught my attention:

“Achievement comes,” says Sinek, “when you pursue and attain WHAT you want. Success comes when you are clear in pursuit of WHY you want it.”

As I relate that back to my mantra, “Be Intentional,” I can understand the great power of “why.”  By understanding what I value – the reason for my why – I will always have a compelling reason (a purpose!) to achieve those goals.  In essence, the “why” is the motivation to remain intentional, and it must be tied back to something I value.  It’s much easier for me (and most people) to remain intentional when we care.  So, my goals for 2010 all tie back to my value system and my purpose.

The Benefits of Being Intentional

By proclaiming this mantra, I’ve heightened my awareness ten-fold.  I am much more cognizant of where and how I spend my time.  “It must be intentional,” I continue to remind myself.  I cannot simply ride the wave of each day and be pulled in directions that don’t serve a greater purpose.

Because of this awareness, I’ve quickly realized that productivity and efficiencies are gained!  No more wasting time on activities that don’t intentionally march me closer to my goals.  I’m more purposeful than ever!!  Because I maintain that intentionality, I’m also more focused on goals and how to achieve them. . That’s forced both ends of the spectrum – more creative thinking, as well as more tactical task completion (hey, we’ve all got to get stuff done too!)

I’ve also found that because I’m motivated about being intentional, I’m also motivated to measure my progress.  I want to see (and celebrate!) the forward momentum!  It’s analogous to a diet – being intentional about weight loss.  What’s the thing that motivates dieters the most?  Seeing a smaller number on the scale and feeling better in their clothes.  It’s by measuring and seeing positive change that we continue on the path toward greater success.

Questions to Ponder

What can you do as a leader to be more intentional?  Is there something that can you can focus on improving?  How can you apply this same concept to your team?  Have you provided a compelling reason why they would want to have intention?

Erin Schreyer is the President of Sagestone Partners, a leadership and talent management coaching firm in Cincinnati, OH.  She is passionate about helping people and companies reach their greatest potential.  For additional information, visit http://www.sagestone-partners.com.