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Essentially, everyone is familiar with the term “Changing of the Guard.” It is when the current guard goes off duty and the new guard comes on duty.

This cycle of replenishment is necessary to continuity.

In life and in business, there is a need for this cycle as well. It is physically impossible for one person to be on guard twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, year after year.

And, yet, many leaders, especially entrepreneurs, attempt to do this very thing!

This is where strategic planning meets achievable action plans. In strategic planning, you determine WHAT needs to be done, while an achievable action plan will define HOW it can be done.

Defining Your GUARDS

Goals

Are your goals well-defined and measurable? Many leaders toss out new goals with each idea that comes to mind. While their team scrambles to make them happen, the leader tosses new ideas into the ring. These goals tend to be generalized, without a great deal of forethought, and not tied to a realistic deadline. And thus, it creates a cycle of chaos, where no one feels accomplished – not the leader, and certainly not the team.

Instead, think about how you can improve the lineup. Determine how many goals you will have marching forward for each quarter and how those will align with each other. Determine not only due dates, but milestones that will meter the cadence to manageable levels.

Uniformity

While variety is the spice of life, uniformity is its foundation. These are the things that stay the same, like routines and procedures. They may not be exciting or flashy, but they do give a sense of security, predictability, and order. While changes occur at a rapid pace, this foundation of uniformity provides a sense of order within chaos.

Having this solid foundation in business means you have established routines that keep the business functioning in an orderly fashion. It means your team has a set of guidelines to function as one. And it means your customers and clients each receive high quality service every time they do business with you.

Attitude

The guards at Arlington National Cemetery, who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, are admired for their steady tenacity despite the conditions. Cold weather, rain, storms…it doesn’t matter. They are on duty. And while they may feel cold, miserable, and tired, they maintain an undeterred attitude of determination and dedication. This is because they have respect for those who have served.

Do you and your team maintain this kind of determined, steady attitude in service to each other and to clients and customers? Do you keep going despite the circumstances? Do you honor each other and those you serve? Do you support each other?

Replenishment

Just as important as it is to be on duty; it is also important to be relieved of duty at regular intervals. Even the best leaders need a break now and then, along with their team members.

Do you push your team to be excellent, but not to the point of burnout? Do you push yourself in the same way? Do you pace your quarters, so they include a warm-up, a push, and a cool-down? All three phases are natural and necessary for you and your team to function at your best.

Defined Roles

One big factor in a dysfunctional team is the lack of role definement. When a leader takes the time to bring each person’s strengths into play, a business can run like a well-oiled machine. Where one person lacks a skill, another can fill it. And in this sense, the gears of the business work flawlessly.

It is like a change of the guard in this sense, as one person hands the baton to the next to continue the watch.

Security

Perhaps the most important part of all is security, which is the point of having guards in the first place. When you grow as a leader, you provide security to your team. When you make solid, well-considered decisions, you provide security to your team. When you are values-based, consistent, and considerate, you provide security to your team.

Can your team depend on you to have their backs as much as you depend on them to have yours?

Evaluating your GUARDS

• As you review your GUARDS, what do you see that needs attention?
• Are any GUARDS missing from your duty roster?
• Are there GUARDS that need to change?
• What GUARDS need attention in your own personal leadership?

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!