BHAG^TM

B- Big

H- Hairy

A- Audacious

G- Goal

The term ‘Big Hairy Audacious Goal’ was proposed by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their book entitled Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.

Silly sounding.  Not so silly use.  When you are asked to define your BHAG are you really setting a big enough goal?  ,

We’ve all heard about the trick of making a goal list. You have to have a target, an idea of what you want to achieve.  But a BHAG should not be on your every day “to do” goal list.  It should be exactly what the acronym says.

Big- big enough that you are not sure how it can be accomplished.  We’re not talking about putting an easy goal up just so you can cross it off your list.  We are talking about BIG.

Hairy- this adjective is tough to define.  The chosen goal should not be simple.  Achieving it will most likely require multiple steps, complicated paths and have lots of possible pitfalls and obstacles that need to be overcome to achieve it.

Audacious- this is a 10-30 years goal to guide progress toward a compelling future. When you state this goal to others they think “really? That much? Who does he think he is? Wow that’s a tough one.”

Goal- make sure you are talking about a true target. It should be well defined and measurable. You will know when you reach it.

Examples of BHAGs include:

Microsoft – a computer on every desk and in every home

SolarAid – to eradicate the kerosene lamp from Africa by 2020

Once the BHAG is chosen, does everyone in your organization know what the BHAG is?  Can they all articulate it? Are they aware of the strategy it takes to move towards it? While most executive teams develop inspiring, motivating and well thought out strategic plans, most companies tragically fail to get near the results stated in their plans.  Instead of coming alive in the hallways and cubicles of the organization, the plan too often sits on a shelf or on a far corner of a desk forgotten and collecting dust.

It doesn’t have to be this way for your company.  If you master the Rockefeller Habits you can bridge the gap from strategy to results.  Identifying and articulating a BHAG is one of them.

Radio Shack should use the Rockefeller Habits to bridge the gap.  Sign up to attend this FREE WEBINAR…. Radio Shack GOOD to GONE