September 2010  Leadership Lessons ezine by Mark Sanborn

There are problems with goals. Suggesting that is heresy to many.

Goal setting has been such an important concept in the vernacular of success that some have come to view it as sacred.

Goals are good, but there are some often ignored downsides. Technology is good but can be used for bad. Food is good, but eat too much of even the best foods and you’ll experience problems. Once you know about the risks, you can deal with them.

Just as Socrates said that the unexamined life isn’t worth living, the unexamined use of goals can prevent us from achieving the success we desire.

Let’s start with a look at the positive aspects of goals. Goals give us something to aim for. Assuming what we’re aiming for is worth hitting, that much is good. Goals bring focus and structure to business and life. They allow us to benchmark progress or regress, and increase the odds of achieving success intentionally rather than accidentally.

Read more:  http://www.marksanborn.com/problem-goals.html 

Want more ideas to improve your personal and professional life?

For the latest in Mark’s thinking, visit www.marksanborn.com/blog.  Here’s an example of the quick, useful ideas you’ll learn:

Is Your Performance Memorable?
By Mark Sanborn

Recall the phrase “out of sight, out of mind?” What do people remember about you after an interaction?

Your goal should always be to remain in people’s minds-to leave them always wanting more of whatever job you do, or whatever product or service you provide. What makes you better than those who also do what you do? What makes your performance memorable and remarkable?

Consider: can you give 2-3 substantive reasons why someone should hire you, or follow you, or give you a promotion? If you can’t, you probably don’t pass the test for memorable or remarkable.

Let’s say your boss is having lunch with a colleague today and your name comes up-what does he or she say about you? Adjectives like “nice,” “capable” and “pleasant” are certainly positive, but you should aim for more. Consistently great performance conjures up words like “fantastic,” “exceptional” and “extraordinary.”

Read more:  http://www.marksanborn.com/performance-memorable.html