Long Term Perspective

Can you create a long term plan for your work?  

Most of us will be able to at least propose an initial draft of a 2-3 year plan.

 

Are you working today with a long term perspective? 

I was a bit taken back the first time I thought about this question. I frankly didn't have a well formed answer.

 

You could say that if you are working towards a chartered out long term plan, you probably are working today with a long term perspective. But is that the case?

 

Yes. That does seem to be the case. A long term plan will also have tactical and operational elements to it – which link what you do today to expected outcomes in 2-3 years.

 

But then why do we often feel like a clog in wheel - not sure of why we are doing the work we are doing today?

 

Many a times we may not have been involved in long term strategy creation process and/or we don't understand how long term strategy connects back into our daily/weekly/monthly actions.

 

Managers can play a role here – in helping employees understand/appreciate this connection/linkage.

 

Once we understand this linkage, chances are we will do our work today with a long term perspective.

 

Consequently, our work might also feel more meaningful.

 

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Sourav