What is the relationship between step two “Reality Check” and Step 10 “Assessment of Action” of Purposeful Action?
How do these steps relate to continuous quality improvement, or Kaizen?
For reference, please visit: YouTube Video on Purposeful Action
Revisiting Step 2, which is the “reality check”, I think it is important understand that the practicality and feasibility refer to the surrounding factors and NOT the vision itself. I’m sure there have been a very large number of people that had, at the time, very unrealistic or seemingly infeasible visions, but the external circumstances were supportive or conducive to at least trying and I’m sure many successes resulted.
When Martin Luther King, Jr. had his “dream” I’m sure there were many, friends included, that thought he was crazy. But despite this the external realities were such that he was able to move forward.
In Step 2 we must face the reality. Is our vision feasible with the external realities? In some situations, there are only so many things we can influence from our own perspective; the rest depends on our environment. Is our vision practical and purposeful so we can put it into work? If the answer is no, we need to re-evaluate our vision. On the other hand, during Step 10 of Purposeful Action we evaluate the results of the specific action and comparing if we met our goals. During this step we learn if our action was effective. “It is important to understand action in order to gain an understanding of leadership”. (Masters of the Game, pg. 59). Continuous improvement derives from step 10. In order to improve, you must know where you made mistakes or where you were not effective, and to find out you need to evaluate your previous actions. Continuous improvement is a key for a successful business.
Good examples mmentgen and Margaux. Real examples such as these help to relate the theories with everyday life.
Step 10 involves evaluating the action after it is complete. Step 2 involves performing a reality check before taking action. Step 10 helps to evaluate how well you performed Step 2. It also allows you to see some issues you may have overlooked in Step 2 before you performed the action. This evaluation allows us to learn and improve when performing reality checks in the future. In a sense, these two steps contribute to quality improvement which ties to our other question.
Reality Check under step 2 estimates the possibility of accomplishing the goals of the vision by consideration of all the external factors and it acts a blue print of the vision. where as the assesment and evaluation means data-gathering strategies, analyses, and reporting processes that provide information that can be used to determine whether or not intended outcomes are being achieved. it represents quality.evaluation represents the progress towards the goals under the vision.
Reality check in step 2 checks your thoughts and desires of your current state of mind. This helps you to set a realistic vision. Your goals are made to reach your vision.
Assessment in step 10 refers back to reviewing your goals. Goals have to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and have a time frame. If your vision is not realistic then you will meet your goals, get frustrated and distracted from the original vision. If your vision is realistic you will meet the goals and have a positive assessment and feel fulfillment.
An example would be the US presidential election. Both candidates had a vision and made promises, for the future state of the US, with out a plan. When the president gets a plan through the US government; then the American people will assess the outcome of the plan. If the plan works, the president will be re-elected; if it fails the US will be seeking a new president.