Do you remember Chutes and Ladders?
The other day, I was reminiscing about playing with my niece and nephew (who are now somehow teenagers - time flies!). That simple board game teaches us something profound about life: just when you think you've made it, one roll can send you sliding back to square one.
Or - surprise! - you might leap forward when you least expect it.
This brings us to this week's unlock code: GOAL SETTING
In my 20+ years of government leadership, I've played the goal-setting game two different ways. I call them the Architect and the Mountain Climber methods. (Stick with me here - I promise this will resonate!)
The Architect in me LOVES detailed blueprints. I'm talking color-coded spreadsheets with multiple tabs, daily task breakdowns, and milestone dates that would make any project manager swoon. (Come on, I know some of you are nodding along right now!)
Then there's my inner Mountain Climber who simply focuses on the next handhold. See the peak, spot a few key waypoints, check your gear, and start climbing - adjusting the route as new paths reveal themselves.
Here's the thing: I ping-ponged between these approaches for years, and both got results. But hindsight (don't you love that crystal-clear rearview mirror?) shows something fascinating.
Going Full Architect
When I went full Architect, I spent more hours perfecting my color-coded masterpieces than actually climbing. The spreadsheets were gorgeous, sure, but they became more like art projects than action plans. I was so busy updating timelines and adjusting Gantt charts that I barely moved forward.
Climbing Mountains
The Mountain Climber approach - simply focusing on that next achievable step - not only got me to the summit faster but also brought unexpected bonuses.
Without my rigid plans blocking the view, team members felt comfortable suggesting creative shortcuts and scenic routes I'd never considered. Their fresh perspectives often led to better solutions than my perfectly planned path ever could.
Plus, when we hit inevitable obstacles, we didn't waste time mourning our derailed plans. We just found another handhold and kept climbing. Less stress, more progress, and - plot twist - even better results.
Now, let me be clear - especially in the public sector, where we're playing with taxpayer money and ambitious community goals, you need your essential waypoints. Every successful climber needs proper gear and solid preparation.
But looking back, I wish I'd spent less time polishing those beautiful project plans and more time simply asking: What's the next step that moves us closer to our goal?
Are you ready to play?
Here's your 2025 goal-setting game strategy:
- Set clear, meaningful goals (personal or professional) - and write them down!
- Remember: Your worth as a person isn't tied to achieving goals
- Release the emotional attachment to the "how" - the how will show up (it always does)
- Don't overplan - this is a game where you have set the finish line and already know the rules
- Notice when the first step reveals itself
- Play the game - celebrate the ladders, learn from the chutes
Each goal is a new level to unlock, each challenge a puzzle to solve. Just like in any good game, you don't need the whole strategy guide before you hit "start" - you just need a direction and readiness for your next move.
Some days, you'll hit a ladder and soar. Other days, you'll slide down a chute. That's not failing - that's just playing the game! And between you and me? Those slides often teach us more than the climbs. 😉
What’s on my game board for 2025?
I'm unlocking new levels in helping government managers break free from leadership lockdown. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood Leadership Locksmith, creating keys to unlock the doors holding you back from your full potential.
The first lock I'm going to pick? I'm unveiling The 7 Most Common Leadership Mistakes that Destroy Confidence as a Public Sector Manager (And How You Can Easily Avoid Them). Consider it your master key to unlocking your leadership confidence.
What leadership level are you ready to unlock first? (No boss battles required! 🎮)
Keep rolling those dice, fellow players. Like any great game, leadership is meant to be played, not perfectly planned!
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