Every four years or so we grade our leaders on their “First 100 Days,” but other than watching pundits debate on TV what does that mean for us? It’s an opportunity for us to take a look at our own progress toward our goals. We’re certainly not going to have Bret Baier talking about our performance on his TV show, but the “100 day” marker is a good reminder to for us self-evaluate.
Why re-evaluate?
Well, for the same reason we follow our progress on a map during a road trip–to know how close to the destination we’re getting. Knowing where you’re headed is important, of course, but if you don’t know where you are, you’ll have no idea whether or not you’re actually getting there. Do we need to have started a new job or something in order to grade ourselves on our own “First 100 Days”? Nope! We can do it at any time, and 100 days is a fabulous reminder and a convenient period of time. Not too long to let things get out of control, and just long enough to show some real progress.
So, how do we do a self evaluation?
Easy–just compare where you are to where you expected to be at the same time. The key here is to be honest with yourself! The worst feedback I’ve ever gotten is, “Don’t change a thing, Mickey, you’re doing great!” That’s flattering, but it really doesn’t help me get better. Don’t do that to yourself! Look in the mirror, face your flaws, and resolve to achieve by making a plan to get from where you are to where you’re going. When ever I’m evaluating my progress I start with some essential questions:
- What was my actual goal? I know this sounds basic, but it’s easy to get off track and forget why you started your journey in the first place. That’s why I always recommend writing your goal down! Goals should be specific and actionable. If you resolved to “get in shape” or “advance in your career”, what does that actually look like? A better goal is “Lose 10 pounds” or “get a promotion to senior manager”–specific targets are always best.
- Have I reached the goal? Be honest with yourself. If you wanted the promotion and you didn’t get it, that’s easy to judge. Fitness goals can be a bit more “fuzzy”, as are relationship goals. If you’re “there”, you should be able to track measurable progress. On the other hand, if you find yourself making excuses–well, you’re likely not there.
- What are the steps I need to take to get back on course or stay on course? This step is a bit more difficult, of course, but if you were honest with yourself in the previous step, this one is manageable. Visualize your goal, and write down the concrete steps you plan to take to get there in the next 100 days. You don’t have to get there in a single “step”–some goals take a lot of work–but by setting smaller intermediate goals the bigger goals become reachable.
Need some additional help? Check out the Resources Page for downloadable worksheets and links to helpful sites.
Be Your Own Scarlet
If you’re on track, then great! Celebrate a little. If you’ve fallen a little short, don’t get down because you’re starting the next 100 days and that’s a chance to improve. As Scarlet O’Hara famously quipped, “Tomorrah is anothah day!”
Remember, the only real failure is quitting–never quit!
Mickey believes everyone can reach high levels of performance if inspired and led. During his 30 year US Air Force career Mickey commanded thousands of Airmen, managed portfolios worth billions of dollars, and worked with military, civil, and industry officials around the world. He is a Distinguished Graduate from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University in Washington DC.
Mickey is the author of seven books, including Leading Leaders: Inspiring, Empowering, and Motivating Teams, Mickey’s Rules for Leaders, and The 5 Be’s For Starting Out. He’s a frequent contributor to industry publications and writes for his own blog and GeneralLeadership.com.
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