Episode #15 – Unlocking Structured Success: The Power of Planning and Preparation

 

[00:00:00] Taty Fittipaldi:

[00:00:00] INTRODUCTION

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[00:00:00] Taty Fittipaldi: In today’s New Year’s special episode, we’re bringing you a shorter, but invigorating story and lesson about planning and preparation. As our team takes some well-deserved time off with their families during this holiday season, I wanted to ensure you still have some content to enjoy, while also providing our team the respite they deserve.

[00:00:22] Taty Fittipaldi: This episode will explore a tale that reminds us of the importance of planning and preparation, not only for our careers, but also for our personal life. Planning provides structure and lined up actions that can create greater clarity, confidence, and intentionality that leads to success. It’s the perfect recipe for a happy new year. By the way, happy new year, dear listener! May your new year be filled with the right planning, joy and success.

[00:00:56] NARRATOR’S INTRO: Hello [00:01:00] and welcome to the Leadership Nest Podcast. The podcast that nests stories, knowledge, and science to soar the leadership in you. I’m your host, Taty Fittipaldi. As always, our podcast will be divided into three phases. A story, a lesson, and its application. This way, you can have structure and information while also having some fun.

[00:01:27] NARRATOR’S INTRO: This program is brought to you by… Coaching Expatriates.

[00:01:31] TODAY’S STORY

[00:01:31] Today’s story.

[00:01:40] Taty Fittipaldi: Once upon a time in the vibrant city of Stanford, there lived the recent graduate named Emily.

[00:01:48] Taty Fittipaldi: She had just completed her master’s degree in computer science and was eager to enter the workforce. Armed with her newly acquired knowledge and dreams of making a [00:02:00] difference in the tech industry, Emily secured the job at the prestigious software development company. On her first day at the company, Emily was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She was assigned to a project that was known for its complexity and high demands. The project manager, Sarah, gave Emily a warm welcome and a friendly smile. However, Sarah was quick to emphasize the importance of meticulous planning and preparation for the tasks ahead.

[00:02:32] Taty Fittipaldi: Emily took Sarah’s advice to heart. And decided to focus on creating a structured plan for her work. She spent hours researching the project, studying the company’s processes, and learning from her colleagues. She created the detailed timeline, outlining every milestone and deadline. She also started a daily to-do list to keep track of her tasks.

[00:02:55] Taty Fittipaldi: As the weeks went by, Emily’s dedication to planning and [00:03:00] preparation became evident. She consistently met her deadlines and her work was of high quality. Her colleagues noticed her commitment and began seeking her advice on various projects. Emily happily shared her planning techniques. Emphasizing the importance of staying organized and prepared.

[00:03:19] Taty Fittipaldi: One day, the company faced a major crisis. A critical project was failing behind schedule and the team was struggling to meet the client’s expectations. Sarah, the project manager, turned to Emily for help. With her meticulous planning and preparation skills, Emily stepped up and offered to lead a task force to get the project back on track.

[00:03:42] Taty Fittipaldi: Emily’s team worked tirelessly and her well-structured plan guided them through the challenges. They implemented effective time management strategies, improved communication, and addressed the project’s key issues. As a result, they not only met the [00:04:00] client’s expectations, but exceeded them.

[00:04:02] Taty Fittipaldi: Emily’s success in saving the project didn’t go unnoticed. The company’s leadership recognized her dedication and promoted her to a managerial position. Emily’s careers soared, and she became known as the planning prodigy within the company.

[00:04:19] Taty Fittipaldi: But Emily’s journey. Didn’t stop at the office. She also applied her planning skills to her personal life. She created a balance routine that had allowed her to prioritize her work, spend quality time with her loved ones, and pursue her hobbies. Emily realized that planning wasn’t just a tool for success in her career, but also a way to bring structure and happiness to her life.

[00:04:46] Taty Fittipaldi: Over time, Emily’s story became an inspiration to her colleagues, friends, and even strangers who heard about her incredible journey. She learned that the power of preparation and planning wasn’t [00:05:00] just about excelling in her career. It was about achieving balance, focus and success in all aspects of her life. And so, Emily’s story serves as a reminder that with determination, meticulous planning, and a willingness to adapt, anyone can transform their lives and careers, finding success, and fulfillment along the way.

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[00:05:24] TODAY’S LESSON

[00:05:24] TODAY’S LESSON: Today’s lesson.

[00:05:33] Taty Fittipaldi: In both our careers and personal lives, the importance of planning and preparation can not be overstated. It’s like having a roadmap that guides us through the twists and turns, helping us navigate the journey more effectively.

[00:05:48] Taty Fittipaldi: Whether you are a recent grad starting your professional journey or a seasoned Pro, looking to elevate your career, having a structured plan is your secret [00:06:00] weapon.

[00:06:00] Taty Fittipaldi: First and foremost, planning and preparation instill a sense of direction and purpose. They allow us to set clear goals and define the steps needed to achieve them.

[00:06:12] Taty Fittipaldi: This clarity helps us stay focused, even when faced with unexpected challenges. It’s like building a sturdy foundation for a skyscrapper. Without it, the structure may crumble under pressure.

[00:06:24] Taty Fittipaldi: Moreover, planning minimizes the element of surprise. When we’ve thought through potential obstacles and devised strategies to overcome them, we’re better equipped to handle adversity. It’s a bit like planning chess, anticipating your opponent’s moves and having your counters ready. This not only reduces stress, but also increases our chances of success.

[00:06:50] Taty Fittipaldi: On top of clarity and confidence, planning and preparation imbue our actions with intentionality. When we have a well [00:07:00] thought out plan, each step we take becomes purposeful and our decision-making easier. This intentionality drives us to make choices that align with our goals and values, resulting in more meaningful and impactful decisions. It’s akin to steering a ship towards this specific destination, rather than drifting aimless in the sea. By infusing intentionality into our daily actions, we not only enhance our productivity, but also is strengthen the sense of purpose, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.

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[00:07:38] Taty Fittipaldi: It’s true that some people are hesitant about planning because they worry it might stifle spontaneity and flexibility. However, an effective plan can actually work in harmony with these desires. Think of it as creating a framework rather than a rigid set of rules. By allocating specific time slots for [00:08:00] tasks and leaving room for unexpected opportunities, planning can enhance the spontaneity.

[00:08:06] Taty Fittipaldi: For instance, if you’ve allocated an hour for a project and you completed it in 45 minutes, you suddenly have 15 minutes of free time to explore a new idea or simply relax.

[00:08:20] Taty Fittipaldi: Moreover, planning can help you identify and prioritize what truly matters to you, making it easier to say yes to the opportunities that align with your goals and values. So, rather than constricting spontaneity, a well-crafted plan can provide a supportive structure that enhances both your flexibility and productivity.

[00:08:44] Taty Fittipaldi: In the grander scheme of life, effective planning extends beyond our careers. It aids in creating a well-rounded, balanced existence. By allocating time for work, family and friends, personal [00:09:00] growth, fun and leisure, we maintain harmony. This balance, which I call wheel of life, not only sustains success, but also nurtures our wellbeing, preventing burnout, and enhancing our overall quality of life.

[00:09:18] Taty Fittipaldi: It’s like what happened in our story today! Our champion could only focus so well on work because she had a structured and well-planned life around her, that allowed her the confidence and support to make great things happen at work.

[00:09:35] Taty Fittipaldi: So, planning and preparation aren’t just tools for career advancement. They’re the cornerstone of sustainable success. They empower us to set goals, navigate challenges, and maintain balance, ensuring our careers and lives flourish.

[00:09:53] Taty Fittipaldi: In this new year, I invite you to plan, prioritize your year’s goals, and think about the steps and [00:10:00] resources you need to achieve them. .

[00:10:01] TODAY’S TIPS TO APLLY WHAT YOU LEARNED

[00:10:01] TODAY’S TIPS TO APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED:

[00:10:02] TODAY’S TIPS TO APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED: Today’s tips to apply what you learned.

[00:10:11] Taty Fittipaldi: I’d like to explore our story and lesson today in light of planning for the new year. This is how you could apply some of the mindsets shared today.

[00:10:21] Taty Fittipaldi: Number one, define one major goal and two minor goals to accomplish this new year. For example, one major goal could be achieving a promotion at work through career planning and skill development. Meanwhile, your minor goals could involve maintaining a healthy work-life balance, by setting aside dedicated family time each week, and exploring a new hobby to infuse some spontaneity and joy into your routine. With this structured approach, you’ll not only have a clear path to your major goal, but also a flexibility to enjoy the journey along the way.

[00:10:59] Taty Fittipaldi: Number [00:11:00] two set time in your calendar for your major and minor goals. To achieve any goal you have to of course put some time into working on them. To achieve that there is a technique called time blocking. I want you to use this technique to set in your calendar specific times for your major and minor goals. For example, designate every Tuesday and Thursday evening for skill building related to your major career goal and allocate Sunday afternoons for quality family time. By time blocking, you not only ensure that your goals are given the attention they deserve, but also create a structure and the intentional approach to achieving them. All while, maintaining flexibility to adapt when needed.

[00:11:48] Taty Fittipaldi: Number three, define measures of success. Achieving goals is great, but to keep ourselves motivated to achieve them, requires a beat more than just setting them. [00:12:00] One well-known technique is defining success metrics. Success metrics can help us track and gauge how much progress we’re making, which also helps us pivot or plans and action steps if needed. So, it’s important to set success metrics for your major and minor goals, so you can tell yourself if you’re doing well or not. For example, if your major career goal is a promotion, your success metrics could include meeting specific performance targets, receiving positive feedback from supervisors, and completing a relevant certification.

[00:12:36] Taty Fittipaldi: Likewise, for your minor goals, success metrics might involve spending a minimum of four hours of quality time each week with your family. And the achieving a certain level of proficiency in your chosen hobby. By quantifying success, you will stay motivated, maintain focus, and ensure your goals are on track.

[00:12:59] Taty Fittipaldi: [00:13:00] Number four, track your progress. Now that you have time in your calendar to work on your goals and measures of success, to see how well you’re doing, it’s time to set in your calendar checkpoints, to track your progress. These checkpoints are like the tests we had in school to see how much we learned. Except that now this checkpoints serves as thermometers of how much progress we’re making on our goals.

[00:13:27] Taty Fittipaldi: They are important to help you figure out if you have to adjust the plan or keep going as you planned it. For example, if your major career goal is to achieve a promotion, schedule quarterly checkpoints with yourself, to assess your progress, analyze what’s missing and review any feedback you received and need to work on. Similarly, for your minor goals, set monthly checkpoints to ensure you are spending enough time with your family, and making progress in your chosen hobby. Regular check in [00:14:00] not only keeps you accountable, but also allows you to make timely adjustments, ensuring your journey towards success remains on course.

[00:14:08] Taty Fittipaldi: Number five, don’t panic. Look, plans are great and provide us with the right structure to intentionally take action with Clary, purpose, and confidence. But life happens. Not always, we will be able to make as much progress as we want. If that happens to you, don’t panic and don’t beat yourself up. Check points are meant as a gauge and not as a torture chamber. Don’t put pressure on yourself! Instead, acknowledge what was the progress you made, even if none, and see what you need to tweak in your plans to make things happen differently for your next checkpoint. This is called self-compassion with accountability. [00:15:00] you were being gracious with yourself, but at the same time, not allowing you to get off the hook from making progress on your goals.

[00:15:09] Taty Fittipaldi: Number six, find support. Studies show that people who plan and have a support system around them, achieve their goals faster and in a less stressful way than those who don’t plan and have a supportive system around them. A support system is nothing more than a structure around us, of people, resources, routines, and success factors that allow us to move through our plans more easily. For example. If you’re a major career goal is to Excel in a new role, seek out mentors and colleagues who can provide guidance and encouragement. Additionally, establish routines that prioritize self care and stress management to maintain your wellbeing throughout the journey. Whether it’s through networking, [00:16:00] seeking advice, or building a community of like-minded individuals, having a support system can be a key to turning our plans into successful and consistent actions.

[00:16:11] Taty Fittipaldi: Ready to make your new year’s plan?

[00:16:15] Taty Fittipaldi: awesome! Then, roll up your sleeves, follow these six tips we talked about, and let me know how your planning session was! By going to speakpipe.com/TatyFittipaldi or clicking the link in the show notes to leave me a brief audio message. I’d love to know you completely smashed it! And, if you didn’t, and have any questions, also let me know. Your issue might be shared by thousands of other people, and we could create a special episode just for that.

[00:16:50] KEY TAKEAWAY

[00:16:50] KEY TAKEAWAY: Key Takeaways

[00:16:59] Taty Fittipaldi: what’s [00:17:00] your main takeaway from this episode? Here are mine.

[00:17:03] Taty Fittipaldi: Number one, importance of planning and preparation. Planning and preparation are essential in both our professional and personal lives. They provide a clear sense of direction, purpose, clarity, and confidence. It helps us set goals, navigate challenges efficiently. Like a roadmap, they guide us. Reducing surprises and stress, while also increasing our chances of success.

[00:17:29] Taty Fittipaldi: Number two, intentionality in actions. Planning imbues our actions with intentionality. When we have a well thought out plan, our choices become purposeful. Aligning with our goals and values, this intentionality enhances productivity and fosters a more meaningful and impactful life.

[00:17:51] Taty Fittipaldi: Number three, balancing structure and flexibility. Effective planning doesn’t have to stifle spontaneity and flexibility. It [00:18:00] creates a framework that allows room for unexpected opportunities. By allocating time and prioritizing what matters the most, planning can enhance both structure and adaptability, ultimately contributing to greater success and wellbeing.

[00:18:17] Taty Fittipaldi: Number four structure goal-setting and planning. For this new year, define a major and minor goal for the year. Block some time off in your calendar to work towards your goal on a weekly basis. Then, set some measures of success for each, and track your progress by creating checkpoints in your calendar, to reevaluate your situation.

[00:18:41] Taty Fittipaldi: Number five. Self-compassion with accountability. Remembere that life happens and sometimes our plans don’t go the way we want. We must show self-compassion with accountability, by acknowledging what progress we made, even if none, and [00:19:00] then making the right adjustments to move forward towards our goals, without beating ourselves up.

[00:19:07] Taty Fittipaldi: Number six, support system. Studies show that planners who also have a support system thrive and achieve their goals faster, and with less stress. So it’s important to create your plans and also work on creating a support system around you.

[00:19:26] HIGHLIGHTS

[00:19:26] Taty Fittipaldi: This brings us to the end of this Leadership Nest episode. I hope you have enjoyed the new year’s special on planning and preparation. Tune into our episode next week, when we will dive into the intriguing research and topics, exploring how certain human behaviors can impact our moral judgments and decision-making processes.

[00:19:48] Taty Fittipaldi: Thanks for joining us this week on The Leadership Nest™ podcast. Be sure to tune in next week for our next episode.

[00:19:58] Taty Fittipaldi: Wherever [00:20:00] you are in the globe, this is Taty Fittipaldi withing you a beautiful day.

[00:20:04] Taty Fittipaldi: If you have any questions, you’d like us to answer in a future episode of the show, just go to speak pipe.com/tatyfittipaldi Or click the link in the show notes to leave us a brief audio message. Make sure to visit us on our website, www.theleadershipnest.com. Where you can subscribe to our show, anywhere podcasts are streamed, so you never miss the fun.

[00:20:35] Taty Fittipaldi: While there, If you find value in our show, you can also subscribe to our global leadership weekly newsletter from Coaching Expatriates, where we deliver bite sized lessons on global leadership, decision-making, and cultural competence, to help you learn how to think, relate and interact, in a whole different way as a global leader.

[00:20:56] Taty Fittipaldi: If you liked our show, you might want to check our [00:21:00] online global executive leadership program. A nine week leadership development and learning system that will help you lead internationally, while making financially conscious and impactful decisions.

[00:21:11] Taty Fittipaldi: Taty Fittipaldi is also available for private coaching. See the website for more details at www.coachingexpatriates.com/executive-coaching. Thank you for listening to The Leadership Nest podcast. Until the next time. Keep nesting.

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