Life is a series of jobs, tasks, projects and programs. Normally much depends upon the successful completion of these undertakings.
Their success or failure can have immediate or indeed enduring, life-long ramifications.
When we look to others for execution of such assignments we frequently wonder, what will be the result? And often ask ourselves, what can we do to most likely ensure a successful outcome?
A Desirable Result is “The Goal being accomplished, as or better than required and on-time.”
Well, there is a universal approach we can employ to both Assess and Secure the likelihood of positive outcomes.
We can use this same simple methodology whether we’re considering massive undertakings or merely wondering if (say) a child will complete a routine homework assignment.
The approach is straightforward and fully described, below…
Basically, for successful outcomes the participant(s) must possess enough PASSION and impending OBSTACLES should be adequately removed.
PASSION means participant(s) has
- Desire (Wants the outcome)
- Energy (the Drive/ no laziness or indifference)
- Decisiveness (no Procrastination)
Overcoming OBSTACLES means participant(s) has
- Know-How (Essential Skills)
- Authority (to Proceed and Act)
- Resources (Infrastructure and Tools)
- Time (to Complete on Schedule)
These are The SEVEN (7) Necessary Pillars of Success.
They are really all it takes to support the likelihood of a positive outcome. 
We can simply look at the Participant(s) situation and quickly evaluate if they have what it takes to achieve a Desirable Result…
Do they have the Personal Attributes and Skills? Are there real Obstacles to their success?
For example: the LIKELY results we might predict are:
- All 7 Pillars being sound = STRONG Likelihood of success
- < 7 pillars sound = varying outcome/results should be expected
- Weak PASSION Pillars = mediocre or failed outcome
- I severe OBSTACLE, likely prevents favorable results
When we are supporting or championing the participant(s) we need to assist in ensuring they have strength in all Seven (7) Pillars.
On those occasions we are simply (well-informed) observers we can at least diplomatically facilitate and highlight required fixes when we see liabilities/ weaknesses.
So here we have it, “The SEVEN PILLARS of Successful Outcomes.”
These quick observations (of the 7 Pillars) can help us rapidly and accurately assess the likely success of both the smallest Tasks and greatest Programs. They leverage universal factors that illuminate probable outcomes and provide essential insight.
Correspondingly we can be forewarned if projects are weakly supported with inadequate Pillars.
It is usually better to fail early when essential fixes to supporting Pillars cannot be made as required.
Do you have any major Programs that don’t pass muster, lacking sufficient strength in their Seven (7) Pillars? Need to quickly assess some Projects and reconsider?
When it’s important you can always proactively glimpse how things will likely proceed, using this method. Why don’t you give it a try and embrace this valuable approach?
Ian R. Mackintosh is the author of Empower Your Inner Manager Twitter@ianrmackintosh.