Don’t Aim for the Stars…

If you want to land on the Moon.

Metaphors

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. – Oscar Wilde

Aim for the stars. At least you will reach the moon. – W. Clement Stone

I am not challenging the wisdom of Oscar Wilde. But let me tell you, he was wrong. Anyone with some knowledge about spatial distances would disagree with his statement. Even as a metaphor, this seems unacceptable to me.

Our closest star in the real sense is our own Sun, which is about 15,20,00,000 Km. The next closest star is Alpha Centauri, about 4.24 light years (40,11,040 Crore Kms) away. Moon is 3,84,400 Km from Earth.

Neither am I challenging Clement Stone’s intentions. In a metaphorical way both have emphasised on going after bigger targets to achieve more than mediocre results. Intentions are good, no doubt. But the approach is incorrect. Read ahead.

Precision

Precision in (a) process (b) strategy (c) budget (d) timeline and (e) execution, is highly important for achieving any goal, big or small. We did witness Chandrayan2 fail in landing, in spite of a 99.8% success in precision.

You may say, we are discussing a metaphor for goals which have nothing to do with this Rocket-science. I agree. But in this new-age of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound) goals, why should we go after stars and waste resources. Instead, we should be working with absolute clarity and transparency on ways to land on the moon, when that is our goal.

Absolute Clarity

Clarity and transparency are very vital to achieve Goals. If one is using the RACI framework, the responsibilities, accountability, consultation and information resources have to be clearly stipulated.

If working on Franklyn Covey’s 4DX framework, then the Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), lead-measures (throughput), lag-measures (result), compelling score-board and cadence of accountability are mandated.

Trajectory

When using OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) too, the emphasis is on improved focus and increased transparency and better alignment of collective and individual goals. Here, committed goals are the ones, one must-do, to survive and they are clear actionables and business-as-usual (BAU) goals. Aspirational goals are stretched, lofty and ambitious goals, which are intended to take us to a higher trajectory.

In all the above frameworks, the direction remains the same. Hence, the metaphor used for committed and aspirational goals in OKR frame work, are roof-shot and moon-shot. All the modern theories on goal / project management indicate strong need for precision and clarity, even when taking a sling-shot.

Fuel

In terms of rockets, the fuel required would differ according to the destination and so is the requirement for resources in case of goals. Journey to the Moon and journey to any star are way too different from one another, requiring quite different set of resources. One can easily relate to costs involved and its affordability too.

Motivation

Not to be ignored, motivation has to be maintained always in order to meet the targets. Motivation takes a deep dive when the target is far-fetched and perceived as not-achievable. Recall when and why Alexander’s Army refused to proceed further and had to return to Babylon.

Moving Goal-Post

Moving goal-post is a phrase that has gained more patronage recently. Moving the goal-post farther in the same direction, is a welcome change when its earlier position has been reached (achieved). Rewards communicated for achievement, must be diligently rendered. Also, the direction should be aligned in order to maintain the motivation.

Basics Right

Goals are Must-Have and Must-Do. No one can afford to wander aimlessly. Stick to time-tested SMART goals. Working on any framework, clarity of thought and transparency of process are mandatory. Ownership, responsibility, accountability and rewards or punishment are important ingredients for success. Missing even one of them will affect credibility and the goal or project adversely.

Aiming for the moon, so be it. Let’s go for it.

References:

One light year = 9.46 trillion kilometres (9.46 x 1012 km), i.e., 95,73,52,000 Crore Km

Distance to the moon : https://g.co/kgs/ktZE11

Distance to the Sun : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun

Distance to Alpha Centauri : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Centauri

4DX framework: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-4-disciplines.html

RACI framework: https://www.cio.com/article/2395825/project-management-how-to-design-a-successful-raci-project-plan.html

OKR framework : https://www.perdoo.com/the-ultimate-okr-guide/