One of the simple yet most profound tools that I learned in my tenure at Procter and Gamble almost 30 years ago was the Start, Stop, Continue model.  Or as I like to use it, the Continue, Stop and then Start model.

I particularly like to use it with leaders at the beginning and the middle of the year to get them to reflect on what they’ve done exceptionally well for the past six to twelve months and what they need to modify or adjust in their own behaviors – as well as in their companies or divisions and teams.

Before the year comes to an end, I’d like to invite you to ask these 3 simple but powerful questions of yourself. (And thanks to Darius Mirshahzadeh and Ali Vafai of The Money Source for reminding me last week of how impactful this exercise can be 🙂 )

It’s fairly simple…just ask yourself:

  1. What have I done really well over the past year? What behavior have I been practicing that has contributed to my success this year and what will I CONTINUE to do in the coming year?
  2. What behavior or attitude has been disruptive or dysfunctional? What have I done that hasn’t worked that I need to STOP doing?
  3. What do I need to START doing if I’m going to reach my goals? What new information or data do I have that could be an opportunity for me or for my team? What’s been nagging at me to do that I’ve managed to ignore but I know that it’s the right thing to do if I’m to be successful?

Then really take some time – either sitting quietly if that’s your style or on a walk or over a cup of coffee one morning – to think about the answers and write them down.  Our ability to reflect and learn from our experiences is one of the most important gifts of being human.

Take the tool one step further and find yourself an “accountability buddy” to share your answers with so that you create some an action plan going forward to implement what you’ve learned.  And you can always use the Rockefeller Habits Checklist as a “reminder” of the best Execution practices successful small and mid-marketing companies use.

That’s it. Three simple questions that will help you stay the course for a successful year ahead…or maybe, plot a new one.  Good luck and let me know what you discover along the way!

And then come and hear more powerful insights that will lead to success in the year ahead at our Fall Leadership Workshop!