Have you fizzled out too early? Did you finish the last few steps in your business plan with 100%? Did you rush though the last part of the project and miss those important and crucial details?
 
When starting a new project or business, we are often bursting with excitement and are incredibly motivated. The plan has been written, decisions have been made, and it is time to get down to the work. Your motivation pays off, you (and your team) are making remarkable progress. Goals are being met and the end is in sight, you’re almost there.
 
When you dreamt of this day, you thought the motivation and excitement would be even stronger and more elevated at this point than it was in the beginning. Ironically though many people at this point in the process fall into one of two categories:

1. ….so enthusiastic to be near the end that during this last crucial mile he/she rushes through the last steps and misses important details. The missing details are enough to hold a company back or stop a project or company from reaching its full potential.
2. ….slows down to the point of almost stopping or just pull out all together. Why would someone quit so close to the finish line? Some people are afraid of success or what it will bring? Some people think if they worked hard ¾ of the way the last ¼ of way will just come to them.

 
It is often difficult getting started on a new business adventure or taking the first steps in a new project, but the last mile can often be the most difficult part of the process. It is the point in the process when you are making final decisions, putting new processes in place and evaluating all the processes you put in place during the early stages. You want it to be perfect. The last mile is like the final cut.
 
How do you ensure you complete the last mile?

1. Keep open communication with your team and provide encouragement and motivation to each other.
2. Find what motivates you and incorporate that into your plan. For example if something motivates you, use it as a reward after you complete each step. Rewards could be candy, a couple hours away, a cup of coffee, etc.
3. Make the end into a vision. Post a picture of what the end will look like in place you can see it every day.
4. Break up the steps you need to do, make a list of what you need to accomplish every day. This is a great way to ensure you do not forget the little steps.
5. Talk with a mentor or a leadership coach. They are often the one you will need to turn to from time to time to keep you motivated and to give you advice.

 
Completing the last mile with enthusiasm and knowing you did it right will bring you great pride and great success in your business.
 
You can do it!

This scenario happens frequently within companies. Who is at fault? Does the fault lye with the Leadership because they fail to encourage employees at all levels to provide input or is it the responsibility of the employee to step up and make sure they are heard?

The Leaders never rejected anyone from any level putting their opinion out there to be heard; however, they never provided an appropriate platform for employees to provide their thoughts and ideas. Should they bother? The Leaders knew Jeff was a hard and great worker, but what they were unaware of is that Jeff was incredibility creative in solving problems. His experience with the company combined with his natural creative abilities became a powerful asset in his management role. In fact, Jeff’s boss was content with his work. He knew he could count on Jeff in his role and consequently never “checked in” with Jeff. The only people aware of Jeff’s “talent”, was his own employees.
Although some responsibility lies with the company, the one who was in a position to change this scenario was Jeff. Jeff should have been more confident in himself and what he had to offer. The Leaders probably would have appreciated his ideas.

If you are not being noticed; if your hard work is going undetected; if you feel you have more to offer but find yourself taking a back seat…..it’s time for a change. What can you do?

• Acquire some Self-Confidence
• Speak up in Meetings
• Meet with your boss or other Leaders to express your ideas
• Send a Memo to your Boss and copy his Boss describing something that is working great in your department and what you did to make that happen.
• Help put a platform for employees to share their ideas and thoughts…use it!
• Be Professional
• Remain Confident!

If you are Leader reach out to your employees at all levels, they may have a prospective, one you haven’t thought of. If you are not at the top of the business tower and not being heard from those above, make a change today!