Report 2017). Kjell Strand ( Aktiv - www.rogalandaktiv.no), was our passionate, ISSUE 120 Stretching knowledgeable, and experienced guide whose greatest desire was to provide a customized experience. He fully delivered. Kjell had a plan Q4 in Norway that involved kayaking the Fjords from our island 2017 basecamp Kalvoy, then climbing the 4,444 wooden stairs in Florli, ascending to Kjeragbolten and finally climbing to the by: Sam Smith lookout at (the Pulpit Rock). Every [email protected] aspect of the adventure was spectacular. What made the trip truly unique however was, that The 2017 Stretch Expedition which was unplanned. Given the unpredictable took us to Norway. It felt like the weather, Kjell was very thoughtful in his backup plans. As he said, "you must always have a plan “Either You Die or You’re Good.” perfect part of the world for this two." One particular "plan two" took us to the island municipality of Kvitsoy where we hiked for expedition in part because none hours, saw more sheep than people, explored Daniel Kivi, a 33-year-old BASE jumper, This issue of our newsletter has an “execution” of the 18 previous stretches had WWII bunkers, visited a lobster fishing museum, shared this with us during our Norway Stretch focus, with a “stretch” overlay. and watched the power of the North Sea crash Expedition. He has 600 BASE jumps “under taken place in Scandinavia and the shores of the main island. This unplanned his belt,” from 3,000 to 12,000 foot peaks/cliffs Enjoy the newsletter, have a fantastic 4th Norway provided an opportunity detour turned out to be one of the highlights around the world. quarter, and please keep Daniel Kivi’s of the whole trip. Never underestimate the comments in mind as you think about your next to combine kayaking, camping, opportunity that lies in "plan two." Five jumps in one day, night jumping during a “strategic jump.” and hiking. And, I'm Minnesota full moon, landing on a trampoline – just some The Norway Stretch provided as much variety of the opportunities for a young man who loves born and raised. The homeland as you could ask for and as much challenge nature, and loves the adrenaline rush. was calling. as you wanted. It had something for everyone. As we like to say, any stretch is "challenge He also said he loses 2-3 friends a year from by choice." That's the key in any stretch Eighteen stretchers left Minneapolis-St. Paul BASE jumping, most accidents tied to “human International Airport June 21, 2017 ranging in experience. It's personal. Everyone begins error, pushing the edges” with wind, weather, Jeff Prouty age 16-67. As with all stretches participants from a different starting point. Everyone's and GoPro videotaping. [email protected] Jeff Prouty range in experience from world adventurer stretch is very personal. You don't even need to travel to the other side of the Atlantic to to first-time international traveler and fitness Daniel emphasized the importance of levels from CrossFitter to the average Joe. create a stretch experience for yourself. The P.S. Please be on the lookout for our new preparation, communication, and execution – That's some of the magic, everyone has an key is to find your personal "stretch point." website. A special, and big big, thanks to Anne and said he still gets nervous before every jump. individual experience within the context of the A "stretch point" is that place which you find Berg, Vyway Market & Brand Strategy, for her yourself from which you have the opportunity help in creating the magic. group based on where they are and what they As I reflect on Daniel’s comments, I think about want from the adventure. Our job is simply to to stretch beyond where you are in the business and what we can do as leaders to provide a forum in which people can connect, direction of where you want to be. It can take breathe more life into our companies. Either stretch, and grow. As an added bonus, I had many forms and the potential is limitless when you begin with curiosity in search of insights you die, or you’re good.

the opportunity to experience this amazing ® ® adventure with my lovely bride, Maureen. and you're willing to take action for growth.

It is no surprise that Norway has been written I hope you'll consider joining us on a future up as one of the most beautiful countries on Stretch Expedition but even more, I hope you'll “C” NOTE QUOTE: earth (Lonely Planet) and when you meet the be on the lookout for the "stretch points" in “As a driver, you need to be willing to push everything around you to the limit, your day-to-day life and make a commitment to Board Development and Team people, you understand that they really are the GAIN • happiest people in the world (World Happiness grasping them fully. including your cars, your crew, your body and even the other drivers, to win.

WITH EOS If you’re not willing to lose, to push your car to the point of wrecking, you’ll never TRACTION win. This can come with consequences – some planned, some unplanned.”

Know the quote?

If you know who said this quote, please send an email to: [email protected] or call 952.942.2922 by Wednesday, November 1; one guess per person. If we have more than one correct answer, we throw those names into a hat and draw the winner of a $100 gift card. Organization Development

• Last issue’s “C” Note Quote winner is... Mack Traynor, ReconRobotics, Inc. Congratulations, Mack! Mack says, “Since the Mack knew that Tim Cook, CEO, Apple, said the following: “The most important quote was from Tim Cook,

thing is, do you have the courage to admit I think I'll buy a half share that you’re wrong? And do you change? of Apple stock!” The most important thing to me as a CEO Join us! 2018 Stretch Expedition: Cambodia February 21-March 4, 2018. Participants is that we keep the courage.” will have the opportunity to care for disabled and street children, renovate a classroom and Mack Traynor

outdoor area, and experience the history and rich culture of both the city and countyside. For Planning Strategic 6385 Old Shady Oak Road, Suite 260, Minneapolis, MN 55344 proutyproject.com GET WANT FROM YOU WHAT YOUR BUSINESS helped has thousands Entrepreneurial Operating System, the EOS, of small- and mid-sized companies around the world strengthen to the drivers key of their businesses. Using proven, practical tools that address the root cause of issues, EOS will help align to your accountability throughout improve shared vision, single, a on team the organization, increase long-term growth and profit, and create cohesivea healthy, leadership team with great chemistry. Enjoy my article in this issue on Why Strategic Plans Fail Get to Executed where I talk about how EOS tools can help you execute your plans. contact: please information, more For Andrea West, Professional EOS Implementer 952-942-2922 [email protected] more information contact [email protected] or call 952-942-2922. ROADBLOCK 1 ROADBLOCK 3

ROADBLOCK: NOT BEING SOLUTION: CREATE A CLEAR ROADBLOCK: NOT CREATING get. And they are directly linked to the desired STRUCTURED FOR SUCCESS ACCOUNTABILITY CHART A POSITIVE CULTURE OF outcome. Unfortunately, they also are not In his book, “Good to Great,” Jim Collins uses Creating an accountability chart helps get the ACCOUNTABILITY influenceable. You only know you have a the analogy of a company’s CEO as a bus driver right structure in place by forcing leadership to Often leaders are hesitant to create problem after it arises, and at that point, it’s who needs to decide where the bus is going, address any people issues that are impeding measurable expectations and a culture of tough to turn it around. how it’s going to get there, and who is going success. accountability. Perhaps holding people to task After you’ve identified your goals, build a along for the ride. While most people assume seems too harsh, too dictatorial, requires too Different from an org chart, an accountability scorecard to monitor if you’re on track. Be the journey should start with announcing where much effort, or seemingly takes the human chart looks at the primary functions of the crystal clear about the difference between the bus is going (sharing the vision) and getting side out of business. business and outlines the top 5 responsibilities lead and lag measures. Lag measures the people on board to take it there, Collins for each of the leadership roles within those In reality, it is human nature to crave measure the goal. Lead measures identify the argues the really transformative companies functions. This process continues, until accountability. Regardless of what we things that lead to the goal. Lead measures actually start by getting the right people on the you’ve outlined all of the roles throughout the do every day, we all want to know we’re are predictive of success and can be bus and then deciding where to take it. organization that support those functions. By succeeding. No one wakes up in the morning influenced by the team, which is why they are In today’s rapidly changing environment, if you successfully identifying the right seats in this hoping to fail. By defining the parameters essential to track. Why Strategic start with “who” rather than “what,” you will be manner, you can then successfully put the right of success, you’re not only able to identify Your scorecard should capture the 5-15 positioned to more easily adapt. Unfortunately, people in them. potential shortcomings, but more importantly measures and a goal for each of them in one most organizations struggle to make the tough you can help people to know and celebrate For a person to be right for a seat they must fit location. Examine it weekly to help foretell decisions necessary to get the right people on when they are winning. Plans Fail To two criteria. They must live your core values. your financial future and give you a chance the bus and the wrong people off it. As a result, And they must understand the job, want the job, to intercede before bigger problems arise. leaders tend to take an outdated organizational and have the natural abilities to do it well. SOLUTION: KEEP SCORE Boiling the organization down to good, structure and the current team, and try to You may have heard the phrase, “What gets hard data helps to cut through all of the Get Executed shoehorn them into the current strategy. Often, leaders subconsciously try to cheat this measured gets done.” But where leaders subjectives, personalities, opinions, and egos process one of two ways to avoid making the Successfully executing a strategic plan struggle is in identifying the right measures that can sometimes derail decisions that The 4 Most Common Road- really tough decisions. Either they put a person requires leadership capital. There’s no of success. Instead of focusing on what are in the best interest of the business. The in a seat that is an incredible performer, but way around that. And leadership capital can be influenced, they typically look to lag very act of measurement creates clarity and blocks and What You Can Do doesn’t live the core values. Or, they place a comes from having clearly defined roles and measures. Sure, lag measures are easier to change. person who lives the core values and is loved responsibilities, as well as the people in those About Them by people throughout the organization, but roles who live your values, and who ultimately isn’t a good fit for the role. Both mistakes understand the job, want it, and have the will ultimately impede the success of the 70 percent of natural inclination to do it well. organization and its strategic plan. Only with the ROADBLOCK 4 strategic failures It’s a tale we see all too often. We work right people in the right seats can the plan get “ successfully executed. are due to the with the members of a leadership team ROADBLOCK: THE LEADERSHIP While most people feel the last thing they poor execution TEAM CLEARLY UNDERSTANDS need is another meeting, making time to talk to create an inspiring and potentially ROADBLOCK WHAT IT HAS TO DO, BUT THE as a team is actually a time management of leaders. It’s 2 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES STILL tool. It is far more productive than trying to rarely for lack of transformative strategic plan, and they AREN’T GETTING DONE connect the dots one by one. And it creates a With no time or space to work on the business forum for personal accountability, celebration, ROADBLOCK: TRYING TO TACKLE TOO important, they never have the same level of leave motivated to tackle the world. A instead of in it, a team’s daily firefighting sharing best practices, and practicing group smarts or vision. MUCH ALL AT ONCE urgency as the whirlwind. So when the important efforts can quickly consume their ability to problem solving. few weeks later when the reality of daily We often tell our clients, “You will significantly goals go toe-to-toe with the urgent whirlwind, the execute strategic priorities. This is particularly —RAM CHARAN overestimate what you can achieve in one year.” whirlwind wins every time. Make sure each meeting is at the same time, ” challenging because strategic priorities often business sets in, our conversations take a same place, starts on time, ends on time, and This isn’t to be a buzzkill. It is to help teams In this environment, there is a natural limit to require support from multiple functions within follows the same agenda each week. Use identify realistic goals that will keep the team what can actually get done. It is known as the different tone. Inspiration quickly turns to the business, and it is difficult to find the time those precious minutes together to focus only engaged and feeling successful. All too often, law of diminishing returns. If you focus on 2-3 required to coordinate efforts and resolve any on the strategic priorities. Identify whether leadership teams are comprised of the people things, you’ll get 2-3 things done. If you focus overwhelm when the team realizes how issues that might be getting in the way. the priorities are on track or off track. Assign who have visionary ideas and the risk tolerance on 4-10 things, you’ll get 2-3 things done. And if It’s one of those laws of the human any weekly to-dos to support the priorities, much has to get done to achieve the vision, to give them a try. As a result, these teams are you try to focus on 11 or more things, you’ll get nature: there’s nothing like the pressure and clear any barriers that may be getting susceptible to two potentially fatal flaws of nothing done, because you are spread far too of an upcoming meeting to jolt us out of in the way. Most importantly, be vigilant and how little time exists every day to do execution. First, their vision may not align with thin to actually achieve any of your goals. their capacity to deliver, and they wind up being procrastination mode. Not only do regular with your time. Eliminate all storytelling and so. The team is left scratching their heads spread too thin. Second, they might chase checkpoints create personal accountability, conversations about the daily whirlwind. every good idea that comes their way rather SOLUTION: FOCUS ONLY ON THE they also provide a forum to remove barriers Focus on the task at hand. wondering, “Where do we even start?” 2-3 MOST IMPORTANT THINGS than staying focused on their goals, and they and coordinate efforts. With so many people and initiatives to The solution is to get your team to focus. wind up being spread too thin. coordinate, executing a strategic plan is Prioritize the 2-3 things that are essential to As Ram Charan said: “70 percent of strategic failures are due SOLUTION: HOLD WEEKLY never an easy task. Fortunately, there are Chris McChesney, Global Practice Leader move you toward your vision. If you had to to the poor execution of leaders. It’s rarely for lack of smarts MEETINGS now several systems and tools available of Execution for FranklinCovey, and one of pick, what is the one area your team would A weekly leadership team meeting establishes today to help ensure your plan is successful. or vision.” This is why the most critical juncture in the strategic the primary developers of The 4 Disciplines want to improve most in order to achieve the a cadence of accountability that ensures Regardless of the system you choose, always planning process is transforming the words on a page into of Execution, frequently talks about the two vision? Which battle matters most? Only after strategic priorities move forward toward remember: the system is only as effective as day-to-day action. Armed with a greater understanding of the opposing forces in every organization. On the you’ve won those battles should you add the roadblocks that can stand in the way, and some practical tools to one hand, there’s the “whirlwind” or “day job,” completion. It also creates the time and space the people running it. It always comes back to by: Andrea West next ones. help you overcome them, your team can become empowered to which is all the work needed just to keep the for the critical conversations and knowledge leadership. And there’s never any greater tool Doing less may seem counterintuitive to your sharing that removes potential barriers and than looking teammates in the eye, holding andrea.west@ work even more effectively to achieve each of the goals outlined organization running. It is omnipresent. It is proutyproject.com ultimate aim of moving the organization forward, ensures alignment among the team. each other accountable, and working together on your strategic plan. always urgent in nature, and therefore it is always demanding attention. On the other hand, there but creating this level of discipline will actually to remove any barriers that arise. is the strategic plan – all of the goals to move get you farther faster, with less wasted time and the organization forward. While the goals are frustration along the way.