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Organizational History — Intentional Leadership — W2, Day 3 (M1) — Vision

Now that you’ve given some thought to the history and values of your organization, and what value they offer in terms of your vision, it’s important to know what your peers and employees know about your history and values. Not only what they know, but also how they interpret the history and values; as you are surely aware, “one size does not fit all” in terms of perception of things.

Before you can make progress towards your vision, you will need to assess the level of commitment your employees have to your organization. To do this, you may ask a few simple questions:

What historical facts do you know about the company?

How would you define our organization’s values?

What is our vision — what are we trying to achieve?

What is it about our vision that draws you to the organization?

What role do you play in achieving our vision?

How does the organization keep you connected to our vision and values?

The key here is to truly listen and make note of the things they tell you, especially if what they say is unexpected or counter to your beliefs and understandings.

I suspect some of the answers may surprise you. Pay close attention, though, as you may gain some invaluable insight into the collective mind of your employees that can help guide you in what you need to do next.

More tomorrow!

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Intentional Leadership – Day 3 (M1, W1) Vision

Today’s focus is on external support. As you are reviewing your personal vision, today’s exercise is to really consider what you need to do to fine-tune it. To move forward, the book suggests blocking out time to work with a trusted friend or co-worker to explore these areas:

  • Are you clear on your destination?
  • What can you do – each day – to move yourself closer to your goal?
  • What are you learning from your mistakes?

As you work through these questions, you will inevitably face additional questions and challenges.

For example:

  • What am I willing to invest to reach my vision?
  • What am I willing to sacrifice?
  • How will others benefit from my experience during this journey – both the things that go smoothly and the things that don’t?
  • What is my level of satisfaction with my progress?
  • What do I need to do to improve or accelerate my progress?

It’s interesting to me, that these are the kinds of questions that pop up when I am coaching. They are the kinds of questions that make one stop and really think about what they want, what they are doing to achieve their goals, what they are learning along the way, what kinds of challenges they are facing – and whether those challenges are external or self-imposed, and so much more.

But, again, this is about your personal vision, not your business vision, so keep that in mind as you work through this exercise.

What are you working to fine-tune?

Whom do you trust enough to engage in such a vulnerable conversation?

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with this, it’s a good thing. It means you are growing, stretching, moving out of your comfort zone into something new.

Remember, if you’re uncomfortable with this, it’s a good thing. It means you are growing, stretching, moving out of your comfort zone into something new. Embrace it. Track your journey in a journal; this works because it allows you to later look back on your journey and see your progress and also to help you realize that while it may sometimes feel like you’re not moving quickly enough, you are actually making progress.

 

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Intentional Leadership – Day 2 (month 1, week 1) – Vision

What is true about you?

When you dream and have a vision for your life, you begin to set the journey apart from what others are doing.

Do you want to do, be, or have more in your life? I think many people do want more. Based on experience and observation, however, many of them never take action toward realizing that longing. It takes time, commit, energy, and hard work. 

In the beginning, you may not have a full, crystal-clear picture of what success will look like. You may not even see more than the first couple of steps on your journey, leading in the right direction.

Know this: Each step you take towards achieving your dream brings you one step closer to becoming a fuller, more satisfied, better version of yourself. Each step will bring your vision into clearer focus, more steps will appear, and the resources you need will become available to you.

This personal journey is critical; if you cannot lead yourself, how can you lead others? If you cannot define your personal vision – for who you are and what you will be – how will you create a compelling vision that will draw others who would follow you?

With this in mind, I am refocusing from my thoughts of yesterday. Today is about my personal vision for me – not creating and growing a business.

Remember, a vision is what you will do, be, or have when you have “arrived.” It’s a future state, not a representation of who you are today. State it in the “present” tense as you develop your vision – it will fuel your belief in your ability to achieve it.

So, here is mine:

Do. Be. Have. I am intentionally pursuing my personal growth plan, understanding it is a lifelong journey, and I learn something new every day. I am a person of value who values others and does whatever I can to add value to others. I am enjoying the fulfillment and satisfaction that comes with recognizing and living my purpose.

This is a different statement than the one I would make about the vision I have for my business.

Today’s exercise:

  • What is your personal – not business – vision?
  • How does your vision affect those closest to you? Is it enriching or destructive?
  • How is your personal vision embodied in your work?
  • Does your work nurture and feed your personal vision, or is it drawing you away from where you need to be?

I trust if you are reading this, you are serious about growth and serving others. Take your time in responding to the questions. The key is to do a quality job here; rushing through this will not serve you well.

I’m thrilled you are coming on this journey with me. I’ll “see” you tomorrow!

 

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