Forget strategic planning, do this first.
I get a lot of questions about how to hold and make space for a vision. A vision that compels you to get up in the morning. A vision that captivates the collective more than a hot summer, small town rodeo. A vision that solidifies and unites, rather than divides and embitters. Better yet, a vision that is co-created by people who believe that a convergence is necessary.
Here’s what I used to do:
- Hire a strategic planning guru, and cross my fingers we’d get to a vision.
- Make lots of fancy documents, to ‘inspire’ the minds of my teammates.
- Read a ton of other people’s work, and draw upon their goals and objectives to develop mine.
- Slowly recognize that there’s growing resistance from those less than enthused about strategic planning because it would compromise the urgent business of the day, and (let’s be honest), it can be boring.
- Try and bring way too much positive energy to conversations around visioning, which would (unsurprisingly) make my awesome teammates say “ugh”.
You can see the obvious pitfalls of this (very status quo) approach.
Of course, there were relevant and mildly compelling reasons to do it this way. I believed in time together (away from the insanity of daily chaos) to sink our hearts and minds into the bigger WHY. I thought it was important to hire out and have someone else lead the conversation, so I could bring my hot little ideas to the conversation.
Then I changed something. I finally realized that I tap into a vision, and was authentically more, compelling when I took time out.
This meant less jamming, planning, and preparing for strategic thinking. And more creating time and space to let something else emerge. And when I did that, everything came more easily.
So instead of spending time this summer getting bogged down in paperwork, business plans, or engagement strategies- remember that a compelling vision for your team, major project or initiative, comes when YOU (self-as-instrument), are genuine, heart-felt, and wise about why it matters, and what it will change.
Here are five ways you can build a compelling vision this summer.
1. Head into Right Brain territory
Go to festivals, listen to live music, write poetry, try stain-glassed mosaics, or throw a frying pan in your local homestead contest. It doesn’t matter what it is, the point is to access your creative side for the good of yourself and your team.
We talked about resistance last time on the blog- and you might even be resisting this idea. [“What a waste of time” “I don’t do art” etc.]
I know, I know. You might hate doing artsy things. Right-brain things. And in addition, there is often automatic resistance when we move away from our rationale, doing-oriented self. We worry that we’ll lose ground, be less productive, or effective.
Not true. Cut some glass. Get out the glue. We need this side of you, and your vision does too.
2. Throw out your schedule
Of course this depends on either taking time off, or using your precious weekend time to allow your scheduled life to relax. Where I live (northern Canada- Yukon) we all become slightly manic when the sun doesn’t set for months on end. Make a conscious effort to throw out the schedule, slow down your day and allow for the simple rhythms of sleeping, meal-time, and visiting with neighbours and friends.
Let yourself be guided by what you need versus what immediate response to what’s required by everyone else– here or in two time zones away.
3. Start (or recommit to) a regular meditation practice
Mindfulness and meditation are gaining ground all over the world- as effective and grounded practices for increasing Presence, letting go of unhelpful attachments, and enhancing emotional intelligence. At the core, they connect you to the intimacy of your True Self and, at the same time, to something beyond.
Both developmental psychology and wisdom traditions show that when we intentionally show up fully with quiet Presence- we can more healthily witness, bring compassion, and let go of unhelpful aspects of our ego.
This helps us relinquish some of the “I’m right” or “Do it this way”, allowing us to consider more and more perspectives.
A meditation or mindfulness practice also helps you find and maintain your ‘centre’- which is the foundation for any compelling vision.
It means less chasing of ‘shiny objects’ or easily getting off track– because you are aware of and connected to what really matters.
4. Capture what comes to you
Whether its on your iPhone, Evernote, or the back of a electrical bill envelope- jotting down the impressions, ideas, feelings, and images that come as you begin to create more and more space is important.
You don’t want to forget the powerful insights that emerge, as you give them space.
So have something handy, and during these downtimes, cultivate the habit of jotting down what comes to you. These are the threads that weave together the why, how, and what of your compelling vision.
5. Pay attention to your body intelligence
You might think that “body intelligence is for alternative practitioners”. And that it has nothing to do with your capacities as a leader.
Our body is the intelligence centre that is easily sidelined. In contrast, it is the most powerful generator of information and wisdom. (An easy example: think about someone’s body language in a meeting.)
So pay attention to what emerges in the body when you feel inspired. Or even when you feel curious about ‘what’s next’.
Recognizing authentic inspiration (how and where it feels alive in your cells) helps you discern when you’re sharing from a genuine place of visioning, versus playing to a script, because you know that is what’s expected from you as a leader.
Being honest with yourself and your team about when you’re genuinely connected to a deeper why, and when you’re not, is critical if you want to build momentum and engagement.
Why? Because everyone knows and can feel the difference. When visioning becomes a platitude or regular exercise, its boring and demotivating.
So if I could choose now, between a tightly orchestrated strategic planning event or time painting a water color, I’ll take the water color any day. Even if I resist it [I am a terrible drawer/painter, heightening my embarrassment because I come from a family of talented artists].
I know that in the space of rhythm, creativity, and deeper connection to what is arising within me- makes the development of a real, compelling vision possible.
And I’m sure you’d agree- our communities, governments, and businesses need the compelling visions more than ever.
xo,
Jennifer
P.S. If you need support with developing a vision, or scaling your vision up, head on over to my program offerings. If you don’t see something you need, let me know as I’d love to help!
P.P.S. My recent wilderness adventure inspiration is on IG– so head on over there and check it out!
