Black In Business

The first quarter is over the numbers are in, how did you do? Early this year we spoke of business plans and the importance of keeping them updated.I used these in organizations where I managed managers. I would have the managers do a group business plan, with quarterly goals and objectives set. As with all goals we would have dates and time lines established for the steps of the sales to be accomplished. We also used timelines when I worked with R & D on new product releases.The point is regardless of your aspect in business you can measure your progress via commiting to a time frame.

A meeting to review action plans and update them has been on the calendar since the new year started. These meetings are critical to accomplishing goals, coaching, employee development, communication and morale. You give advance notice because you do not want any one absent.Depending upon how the team is doing or a individual performer performing, these meetings can be a time of glory and recognition. In rare cases it can be a time of despair and even drama. Many times it is somewhere in between.

My philosohpy is as the nation leader the pressure should be more on me and my direct manager reports to make things happen, than on the sales reps. An error mangement Often times makes if for the pressure all going downhill and the front line people bear the brunt of it.Your team will feel that no one supports them. These sessions can establish you and your local managers as great leaders.The goal for the business plan review session is to acknowledge success and reinforce we are there to help the team and team members win. This is very important, your team must know you are willing to walk the walk with them in order to help.

A suggested format for the meeting to review frist quarter performance is as follows.
The local manager would present on projection screen, the team goals for the first qtr and report on the results for each goal.
Significant contributors to achievement would receive recognition. This can as simple as a stand up to applause, or gift card, to a weekend get away.
The team goals for the second quarter would be reviewed along with key events that must take place in order to exceed the objectives.The local manager should be confident these goals will be achieved or adjust them to reflect what can be accomplished. If the second quarter goals can not be met, let’s discuss it now and not mislead anyone

A good format for the Rep presentations is as follows;
Similar review as local manager
First Quarter Accomplishments
Dissapointments
Critical factors for achieving 2nd quarter number.
Gap Analysis, If your numbers are running short, give a plan to make up the gap and assign a probability %

Sufficient time should be planned to have a team building event at the end of the business day.This could be a pizza and root beer party, or real beer, golf ,bowling attend a ball game etc. The better the team is doing the more elaborate you get. Adward success!
As a leader, you will want your team member exhibit a sense of pride in their presentation and you will want to be active with feedback good and bad. You are teaching your people how to be professional.
I am interested i n your feedback on how to meet an annual goal and things to do at this point in the year. Lets share!