Page 191 - The extraordinary leader

168 • The Extraordinary Leader

action plan that you might formulate to accomplish the goal of improved
technical/professional expertise. Write down the actions that you would take
to improve. Then, thinking about your own plan, look at Table 8-1 to see how
your plan compares with ones we have seen from many others facing this
challenge.
Table 8-1 is a classic, linear plan. We define that as a plan that plots a
straight-line development path from the current performance to a desired
future state. It is a classic frontal assault. It is also extremely logical and char-
acteristic of many people’s propensity to identify a problem or challenge, put
their heads down, and run straight at it with full force. This plan works espe-
cially well in circumstances where a person’s performance is poor and the
need for substantial improvement is clear.
In a recent conference with professionals in employee development from
several different companies, we asked representatives what percentage of the
action plans made by individuals were linear. Their answer was that virtually
all action plans are based on a linear logic. We then asked when the linear
plans worked best. Again, a consistent answer from all participants: “Linear
plans work best for people who are moving from poor performance to good
performance.” But what about the situation where a person’s performance is
good and the individual is trying to move to a higher level of performance?
Will the approach that helps people move from bad to good be as effective in
moving from good to extraordinary?
Case Study. Jane Larson was a project leader in an exploration department
of a major oil company. Her career had progressed nicely, but for the past two
years she felt her career had stalled. Six months ago, she participated in a 360-
degree feedback process that provided her with an assessment on a series of

One Person’s Plan of Action
Action Action to Improve Technical and Professional Expertise
Number
1 Sign up for a night class at the local university
2 Attend more professional conferences and workshops
3 Read technical and professional journals
4 Broaden network with other professionals and ask for coaching and
mentoring on specific topics
5 Read latest books in the technical and professional fields
6 Get on a task force that will stretch current knowledge and expertise
7 Find some training courses that will increase depth of knowledge

Table 8-1 Sample Action Plan