Thanks for the nice words and I’m glad the BHAG concept stuck.

I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with strategic planning for many organizations over the last several years. As you rightly say, it’s about focus and making choices. I believe in the concept that strategy is not about what to do, but more about what not to do.

It’s impossible to have something inspiring if it’s too generic or two “ho hum.” Building a BHAG isn’t easy. It often takes 6+ discussion with a team or the founder to get it right.

One more thing: this really is about leadership. I believe the best definition for leadership is: inspire and motivate. If you want to be a leader you have to followers. This means answering the question (for them) “what’s in it for me.” And that, brings you back to inspiration and motivation. And that, is where the BHAG becomes one of the leader’s most useful tools.

This isn’t limited to personal leadership. It’s also about market leadership. If you want to be a market leader you can’t go it alone. You need your partners to help, and getting them to support you once again comes back to the BHAG.

You know me - I could write forever on the topic. I’m really glad you’re pushing this with your clients. Everyone should keep in mind that BHAGs require a lot of work and continuous evaluation. Once it’s right, it will pop, and people will get behind it.