Author: whatifconcepts

Empowering those that inspire so they can excel at the work that matters.

Putting It In the Center

During a recent strategic planning engagement a retreat participant asked what would happen if we placed the organization’s purpose statement (Start With Why) at the center of the cause’s plan.  Radiating out from the purpose statement were eight strategic goals that had been identified.  It suddenly brought the plan to life for many in the room.  The plan was not bound like a book with a table of contents.  Instead, each strategic initiative was directly linked to what the organization believes.  A subtle change in context and presentation suddenly brought exponentially more meaning to the enterprise’s vision for the future.

Edge of the World Trail

I lead horse pack trips for a summer camp when I was in college.  We ran with an outfitter who would take the pack string of mules ahead and then I would guide the campers on horseback into the base camp and then beyond.  The most nervous moment was ten minutes from the trailhead.  Before everyone had really gotten settled on their horses and adjustments were still being made we would round a corner and encounter a 1/2 miles section of trail that was exposed against a hillside with a 500-foot drop-off to the river below.  The trail was sufficiently wide and in the course of normal travel was not an unreasonable obstacle.  The challenge was that once you started with sixteen head of horses, there was no turning around.  If a mule string happened to be coming the other direction and they did not stop at the right location, you were sure to have a nearly impassable predicament.  There was some serious faith that once you launched your party on the trail that other users would have your best interest in mind.  It reminds me of my work with enterprises that are launching strategic plans.  At some point you have to make the turn and launch on the trail that feels like you are riding on the edge of the world.  Have faith that if you have planned well and your purpose is compelling, then the journey is worth making the first step.

Your vision is only actionable if you say it out loud. If you keep it to yourself, it will remain a figment of your imagination.

– Simon Sinek


 

Authenticity

Could you please be more authentic right this moment?  Turn up your authenticity from a 5 to a 10.  Really stretch yourself, you can do it, right?

Turns out that faking authenticity is not possible.  You can only be authentic by stating what you believe and then take actions that are consistent and mirror your belief.  That is why we can easily understand where authentic people stand.  We may not believe what they believe but we can see what they stand for. 

It does not take a huge capital investment to create authenticity.  However it does take consistency and commitment.

Storytellers

Saw Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt in concert.  What made the evening remarkable were the stories each artist told between songs.

“Stories are our attempts to share our values & beliefs with the hopes that we may attract those who believe what we believe. This is the basis of forming a trusting relationship. Story telling, therefor, is only worthwhile when it tells what you stand for, not what you do.”        

Simon Sinek

Images

 Try searching for images of your enterprise on Google.  What comes up?  Preparing to work with a few different clients I was amazed at how many of these causes did not even have their logo, pictures of programs, facilities, or people associated with the organization in the Google results.  Why not upload a few images that will appear in search engines?

Power Seat

Is there a power seat in your organization?  One where you put the most important person.  I once dined at a restaurant in New York City when Donald Trump arrived for a quick bite.  He sat by the entrance to the main dinning room where he could be seen and greet those who were on a first name basis with him.  Gamblers prefer specific seats in Poker and Blackjack.  When I facilitate board retreats I sometimes find the seating arrangements represent the challenges and opportunities an organization is facing.

What does your seating arrangement say about your cause?