The only thing better than resolving to keep your professional goals this year is being aware of the obstacles that are most likely to hinder them. Stay on the lookout for these four opponents and you’ll be more than ready to go toe-to-toe with this year’s resolution foes.
Foe #1 - Unescapable Distractions
Whether breaking news stories or federal legislative changes, some disruptions are inescapable and will redirect your focus toward anything but your target achievements. So what can help you overcome this foe?
Flexibility – Expect distractions. Set up timelines that allow ample margin. And when those distractions arise, stay on top of what’s happening. Try using tools you already have access to, like School Business Daily for morning summaries of top news stories or the Legislative Affairs Community for live updates on relevant policy changes.
Foe #2 - Unrealistic Standards
Goals that put you under pressure aren't always bad, but goals that come with too much at stake turn well-intended benchmarks into sources of discouragement and burnout. How can you make sure your resolutions aren’t unhealthy for you and your colleagues?
Reason –Think rationally. If one of your aims requires more than six months of work to achieve, stair-step your goal. Pacing yourself builds stamina, morale, and positivity that strengthens workplace productivity rather than stifles it. Achieving smaller victories one-by-one automatically builds momentum and stirs up excitement, creating a climate of healthy motivation.
Foe #3 - Unclear Vision
You’ve got plenty of goals, but when they aren’t rooted in a common vision, your work may seem fragmented and compartmentalized. The lack of clear vision causes colleagues to develop their own. How do you prevent unclear vision from keeping your resolutions from coming into focus?
Passion + Mission – Consider how your passion fits into the mission of your district and your department, and begin to shape a clearly defined vision you’re excited about. Once you’ve got it in focus, take advantage of leadership tools like School Business Leader to learn how to get your team to see your vision as clearly as you do.
Foe #4 - Unsupportive Team Members
A few colleagues or supervisors may oppose your efforts, making it difficult to complete daily tasks, let alone yearly resolutions. Or perhaps you don’t sense encouraging support because your job description isolates you from other departments. Either way, enthusiastic collaboration is essential if you want to accomplish your goals. So how can you defeat the foe of unsupportive team members?
Community – Share ideas. Even if you’re not among an encouraging community of peers, you can still thrive on the energy, experience, and advice of others who have been in your shoes. Use the Global School Business Network to bounce ideas off more than 5,500 experienced peers and find the community you need to accomplish your goals.
With these defensive strategies, you can fortify your professional plan and fulfill 2015’s professional resolutions!
Share your professional resolutions for 2015—what’s your strategy for facing future foes?
How have you faced these obstacles in the past?