Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG)

In order to successfully pursue our purpose we need to create what we call a big hairy audacious goal (BHAG). This goal needs to be so big that it makes us do things we wouldn’t do normally or on a daily basis in our current state. This goal will culminate in reaching our vision and our purpose.

In his book, “Good To Great” author Jim Collins outlines what a BHAG or Big Hairy Audacious Goal should consist of.  First, the big hairy audacious goal should include our purpose and our value statement. In other words, what’s the most important thing for us to achieve in our lifetime or in the next foreseeable future.The other thing that Collins points out, is that we need to determine what we can be the best in the world at or at least the best for our capabilities and our skill set that match are Passions. This will get us focused on activities that hone those skills and capabilities. If we’re an organization. We need to look at what our economic drivers are. How is it we create more value in our community with our customers, our vendors and our employees. When all  these things are aligned we can pursue our big hairy audacious goal.

The big hairy audacious goal concept is akin to the 10x thinking. This thinking requires us to do things that don’t just incrementally improve or increase our capabilities. They transform us to think differently and engage in partnerships to increase our ability. So, the idea is to get us to think outside of our normal way of doing things on a daily basis. One example of a BHAG was Henry Ford. His big hairy audacious goal was to make the automobile affordable to the common man. In order to do this he had to change the whole way that automobiles were manufactured. This led to many other Innovations and successes for not only Ford Motor Company but many manufacturing companies in the world.

Think of what you’re doing now in your life and your business. What would ultimately intersect your passions and your abilities in the future.? If you could attain that, how great would that be? Who would you have to get on your team to make sure that you can accomplish that? What skills and knowledge would you have to gain in order to achieve that big hairy audacious goal.? So, the quest for a big, hairy audacious goal, is challenging enough. but really stretch yourself to see what it would really transform your life. Keep in mind, this will be life changing for you to achieve this big hairy audacious goal. Are you up for the challenge?

Exercise

1. What are you passionate about including your value system?
2. What is one thing you could be the best at in your Market Community or even the world?
3. How will you add value to the community or your organization, accomplishing your big hairy audacious goal?

I look forward to hearing about your BHAG’s.

PS: Ask me about “Positive Intelligence”