Several events and projects have me looking at my BHAGs with an eye toward revision. I thought this would be a good topic for us to look at together. What’s your BHAG?
BHAG, Big Hairy Audacious Goal, was coined by Stanford University Professors James Collins and Jerry Porras in 1996. They first used the phrase in an article entitled Building Your Company’s Vision. They also included the concept in their book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. What is a BHAG? It is a form of vision statement including an ambitious or difficult goal. Visualize an ancient Wooly Mammoth, the huge pre-historic animal with giant tusks. If a goal brings that image to mind it’s a BHAG.
Why would anyone in their right mind want goals that remind them of a giant hairy Elephant look-alike? These giant goals naturally pull us forward toward the thriving life we are creating for ourselves and our families. A BHAG by its very hairy, audaciousness is a motivator. If you just come close to achieving your BHAG you will make advancements in several areas of life and smaller goals in the process.
Let me use one of my BHAGs as an example. One of my goals for 2006 is to be a presenter at the International Coaches Federation (ICF) annual conference. What makes this a BHAG is that I’ve never presented at a national level. My speaking experience is small groups at the local level. In the process of attempting to achieve this goal I have enhanced my contacts within the GLBT community and the coaching profession. I have improved my organizational, follow-up and research skills. I am learning PowerPoint. My confidence level is the highest it’s ever been. As you can see, the attempt has had a profound effect on my life and business. The icing on the cake will come November 2 when I co-present a breakout session at the ICF.
It’s simple to include a BHAG in your plan for success. Review your current goals, dreams, your life vision and projects you’d like to do but seem impossible. What’s the biggest, most challenging thing you want to accomplish? It is your BHAG. Declare your BHAG publicly to family, friends, co-workers or anyone who can support you in tackling it. Create a system that will remind you of your BHAG daily to help maintain your focus. The final step is get into action. It’s not brain surgery, it’s a BHAG.
Further Reading:
Collins, J. & Porras, J. (1996) Building Your Company’s Vision, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 74, Iss. 5, pp65-77.
Collins, J. & Porras, J. (1994, 1997, 2002) Build To Last, pp113.
Posted on Sep 18th 06 by David Stocum.
David Stocum works empowering gay men to thrive in business, career and life. David hosts the ICF GLBT SIG, Rainbow Coaches Alliance (Coach U and Coachville) and Rainbow Network (GLBT business owners) online communities. David will be co-presenting at the ICF Conference on bringing Coaching to the GLBT community. David lives in Las Cruces, NM with his partner of 7 years. He is active in the local GLBT community as a volunteer. http://www.greatlivescoaching.com
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