Little Things Make the Difference
This piece is a special contribution from Steve, one of our beloved Directors, fleshing out Run for One Planet’s motto “Small Steps Add Up”. You can also read it on his website focused on HR Consulting for Business Success: http://taithumancapital.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-things-make-difference.html.
Steve also happens to be my Dad đ Reading it reminds me of one of my favourite footprints we used to have up in Racy from a little kid at one of the schools we visited on Vancouver Island on what his action commitment was. It read “Turn Off the Car… I LOVE MY DAD!!!” Though he understates his “small involvement” in R41P, he’s a pretty smart guy in his young age, so hope you enjoy!
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“Some time ago a wise executive who I had the pleasure of working with stated that âSuccess is 10% Strategy and 90% Executionâ. His point was that as challenging as defining a winning strategy can be, the day-to-day completion of tasks to support this strategy can be even more difficult.
True as this is at an organizational level, itâs every bit as true individually.
Establishing personal goals and aspirations takes a lot of effort. It takes deep soul-searching. It takes personal honesty about oneâs capabilities. Ask any soon-to-be graduate how difficult it can be to get this personal strategy ârightâ. Ask anyone who is unemployed. They will tell, rather colorfully in some cases, just how challenging this is.
That said, doing âthe right thingsâ and âthings rightâ day in and day out, is where the long term challenge lies. Have you ever tried to lose 10 pounds? Do you remember what it took to achieve? What new individual habits had to be formed â or old ones broken â to realize that? Were you able to âcome goodâ on your aspiration – and if so, did you do it on time?
Recently Iâve witnessed, and been a very small part of an inspirational example of how âsmall steps add upâ (see www.runforoneplanet.com). The creation of the over-arching strategy for this organization took inspiration and courage by its Founders, of that there is no doubt. But the execution of Run for One Planetâs strategy took tremendous, discipline, belief and self-sacrifice over a prolonged period. In the process, tens of thousands of lives have been positively impacted and a Legacy Fund established for the future benefit of others. Recognition of its audacious achievement is now pouring in, but this wasnât always the case. Nor was it assured at any time along the way. But doing the little things right day-in and day-out, step after grueling step, has successfully delivered on this organizationâs strategy.
Ask the Founders of Run for One Planet whether the strategy or the execution were more challenging. Then try running a marathon a day for one year, and decide for yourself.”
http://www.taithumancapital.com/
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Great thoughts Steve! Cheers, Shaunah
Comment by Shaunah — Friday, June 26, 2009 @ 7:09 am