For the past couple years on Martin Luther King Day I have highlighted principles from Donald T. Phillip’s book Martin Luther King Jr., On Leadership. (You can see the previous posts here and here) King was a tremendous example of a transformational leader we can learn many lessons from.
Since I have been focusing on goals and growth over the past couple weeks, I thought I’d explore what Phillips learned about how King approached goals. Phillips stated:
“A detailed plan of action, accompanied by specific goals, serves to mobilize people toward the future. It provides much-needed context and purpose for members of the organization. It helps unify people, motivate them, focus their talent and energy.”
There is a lot to unpack in this statement and I will focus on a few ideas.
Detailed Plan of Action
“We need a chart. We need a compass. Indeed, we need some North Star to guide us into a future shrouded with impenetrable uncertainties.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
King understood he could provide all the vision in the world and have a dream, but without a plan to help them chart the course he would only inspire.
Leaders are people of action.
Leaders navigate for their people.
Leaders are like the captain on the ship out at sea navigating the course into the unknown. They see where they want to be, but they must also provide a path for the people around them.
I would suggest at times the course may simply be the next step. In times of constant change and turmoil as leaders have experienced in recent years it may be impossible to chart a long-term plan so plan as clear and far as possible the next best steps.
Specific Goals
Have you ever tried shooting baskets on a backboard with no rim attached? Your motivation fades quickly. Just like the hoop provides a specific goal and motivates people playing basketball, specific goals provide a target for those you lead. Part of Martin’s philosophy around goal setting was:
“Find something that is so possible, so achievable, so pure, so simple . . . so basic to life that even the [extremists] can’t disagree with it all that much.”
I know I have encouraged us to focus on growth over goals and I still mean that. Goals give us a target and the challenge is to enjoy the process of pursuing and learning while pursuing the goal. When leading a group, find a goal that is clear, simple, specific, and resonates with as many people as possible. This clarity helps with the final idea.
Context and Purpose
“In any movement, you have to have some simple demand around which you galvanize forces.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
King let those he led know they were not entering an easy battle as he laid out the plan and goals for their march on Birmingham. He recognized he had to have a clear plan and goal that would give people the answer to the most important question:
WHY?
When those we lead know the leader has a clear plan with a reasonable goal their confidence increases. Their resolve increases the more they agree with the goal. As a leader take the time to know your plan and your goal for what you want your team to accomplish. As the team understands these, many will be strengthened to continue to march with you toward accomplishing the goal.
What is your plan and goal for your team over the next week, month, year? Is it clear in your mind so you can clearly communicate it to them? If not, take time to get it clear today so you can accomplish together what you are seeking to accomplish. Need help thinking into this? Contact me for a no cost to you coaching session. Lead Well.
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