Tip 677: More on the Need for Clear Objectives

From the Leadership Workshops: More on the Need for Clear Objectives

We’ve been talking about the need for clear objectives. Last week, we talked about how we sometimes walk in circles. 

This week, we’ll explore an example we use in every workshop we teach: wisdom from Lewis Carroll and Alice in Wonderland. 

Alice is lost and meets the Cheshire Cat:

• “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”

  “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.

  “I don’t much care where—” said Alice.

  “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

  “—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation.

  “Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long enough.”

If you don’t care where you’re going, then it doesn’t matter which way you go.

If you only want to get somewhere, then (and we disagree with the Cat) you’re probably already there. No need to go further.  

Long-term specific goal: “Get my doctorate in microbiology.” 

First specific task: “Find my transcripts tonight.”

Long-term specific goal: “Restore my 1966 Mustang convertible.”

First specific task: “Get the engine running this spring.” 

Long-term specific goal: “Eliminate Nazi tyranny over Europe.”*

First specific task: “Secure Bénouville Bridge and hold until relieved.”** 

So what would you like to do? Where would you like to go? And how are you going to get there?  

We love this stuff.

Next week, we’ll talk about staying on task. 

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* Eisenhower’s message to the D-Day troops (slightly edited).

** D-day mission for D Company, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (slightly edited).