It seems, despite the fact, we speak, so often, about the so – called, American Dream, or the concept of living our dreams, very little attention, is paid, on what that means and represents, and the significant difference between a dream, and a goal!

Although, dreams are essential for quality leadership, unless/ until, a well – considered, strategic plan, and a path to get it done, is implemented, little, of – significance, is achieved! Effective, meaningful, relevant leaders must transform quality ideas, and priorities, from dreams, to, goals, to be achieved.

With that in mind, this goal will attempt to, briefly, consider, examine, review, and discuss, 5 ways, a leader’s goals, differ from their dreams.

Idealistic, but without a plan!:

We need to be idealistic, but, even the greatest, most desirable idea, without a viable plan, achieves little (but often wastes time, energy, and, eventually, enthusiasm)! It is rare, but important, to align idealism, with a pragmatic solution, which is well – considered, realistic, and important, as well as ambitious, but, can be implemented and used, instead of remaining, a mere, rhetorical exercise!

Goal is a dream, with a date attached:

Dreams, without a well – considered, plan, achieve little, other than sometimes, making one feel better about his ideals! Rather, a leader needs to transform a dream, to a goal. Actually, a goal might be considered, simply, a dream, with a date, on it, and attached! It’s important to create a strategy, and a true, action plan, if we hope, to achieve quality, significant accomplishments, in the best interests of the overall group!

Planning:

How can anyone, lead, if he doesn’t commit to quality, effective, relevant, sustainable planning? You can’t be a real leader, if you fail to have a quality, realistic plan, focused on achieving meaningful objectives, etc!

Strategy:

Little, of – value, can be achieved, without realistic, strategic planning! This requires a well – considered, strategy, aiming to produce results, and not merely a change, but one, which makes a true difference, for the better!

Action Plan:

Just as there is a need, to transform, a dream, to a goal, it’s important, to do something, meaningful, by looking at various options and alternatives, with an open – mind, and looking at both, current needs, as well as longer – term ones, in a strategic way! This must lead to a fully developed, action plan, to make an idea, into a reality!

Goals, and dreams, are far different, but, also, in many ways, alike. When they are aligned, better leaders are developed!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant, professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead