Vision

The Quest for Transformation

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The prime directive for leaders is to make things better – to improve results, strengthen culture, develop talent, nurture relationships. Some leaders see their mission as going beyond improvement, to leading a transformation of their operation or business. But transformation can result in a broad array of outcomes depending on multiple variables including the circumstances of the business, the impact of the culture, or the experience and vision of the leader. Some transformations are small …

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Evolving Values

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For numerous companies, this is the 2021 planning season. The widespread disruption to business during 2020 raised awareness about what can and cannot be managed when overwhelming, unexpected events occur. Uncertainty is no stranger to business leaders, but the profound, unprecedented impact of the Covid challenge caused many to reconsider their purpose, values, and vision before delving into goal setting, strategy development and action planning. Among the results of this foundational review is a refocusing …

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Acting With Urgency

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Today’s business environment changes rapidly. Functioning successfully in it compels businesses to quickly make accurate decisions.  Each of these decisions is made within a specific context, and with a defined set of criteria, against which various options are evaluated. The context is the company’s culture as described in 3 foundational documents: Its Purpose – Why the business exists and how it makes a difference for customers; Its Values – The company’s core beliefs which define how it behaves and why; …

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Leveraging Lessons Learned

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I was once presented with a business turnaround opportunity. The company was in trouble, the President was fired, and the Board asked me take the lead in reigniting the business. They gave me 6 months to change the trend or they would shut it down.  Having never led a turnaround, my confidence was shaken and I was filled with anxiety, doubt and fear of the future. These uncertain times remind me of what I felt back then.  My leadership style has always tended to focus more on the …

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Two Paths for Accountability

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The recent celebration of our nation’s birthday prompts reflection about our distinctive idea of individual freedom, and our persistent pursuit of the aspirational vision and values so perfectly expressed in our founding documents. During our journey, we’ve celebrated achievements and suffered failures, but we persevere, continuing to experiment, to learn, to evolve and to improve as we strive to fulfill the promises that sustain our unprecedented liberty.  Being a free people, we have the option of choosing, …

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The Two Driving Visions of Change

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For some, considering a new idea or approach, a change from the current method, represents an opportunity to improve the existing. For others, it represents a threat – what if things go wrong? Conflicting perspectives, driven by people in an organization, with different experiences, who see the world differently. They are the opposing sides of a proposed change, the two driving visions of change. The supporters of change seek to challenge the current line and …

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You Can’t Achieve What You Can’t See

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Goal achievement is accelerated when results can be visualized. What does exceptional customer service, or extraordinary teamwork, or a successful new product launch look like? How do realized benefits from these initiatives fulfill the Company’s purpose or create momentum towards a Company’s vision. You can’t achieve what you can’t see. Throughout history, humans have practiced the act of visualization, thinking in mental images or pictures. Athletes consistently utilize this technique to help them achieve their goals. …

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Can They “Visualize” The Goal?

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Leaders communicate purpose, vision and goals. But no action or change can begin until your people engage to move in the direction you’ve specified. As the constant companion of change, fear of the unknown must be overcome. Paralysis persists as the assessment of what could be gained or lost continues. If your team cannot visualize the goal, if they can’t see how the future will emerge, then you must help them push through the fear …

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What Inspires Change

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Why do people walk or ride for miles to raise money for a worthy cause? Why do they volunteer to help others rebuild after a disaster? Why do some invest hours in support of a political campaign? For a change initiative to succeed, what is the first step? What inspires change? The common answer to all of the first three questions is that these people believe in that cause, that purpose. They want their efforts …

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Three Ways To Begin Anew

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The beginning of each new year offers us the exhilarating opportunity to begin anew. Your new year’s appraisal should build on your achievements and clarify your objectives for 2015. Celebrate success – What worked well last year? What goals were achieved and why? What progress was made towards fulfilling your Purpose and realizing your Vision? Does your team know what was accomplished and how they contributed? Assess direction – Are your Purpose and Vision statements …

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