Intentions

Ascending (the Wrong Peak)

What mountain have you identified to summit? What if you find out you are climbing a different peak than selected? Do you stop your ascent and downclimb? Do you continue upwards, using this climb to enhance your performance for the next expedition? Do you abandon the entire project?

If our passion is climbing, we will likely continue, despite being on a different route than intended. If our goal is a specific summit, we will likely reroute to the planned ascent. If our hope was to curate an amazing narrative, we might use this detour to enhance our story. Being specific when we identify our intentions makes decision-making easier when we reach an inflection point.

The Thought That Counts

Is it the thought that counts? Is it the intention behind the thought? Is it any action taken to fulfill the thought? Is it the consciousness that generated the thought that counts? We tend to give partial credit to those who attempt to complete a promise or a noble idea. Most Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts crafted by young children are partially completed projects that did not fully assume the form of the child artist/gift creator. However, most parents celebrate the handmade creations equally, celebrating the beauty and incomplete portions.

How might we assume good intentions when in doubt? What is the cost of celebrating the thought, despite an incompleted project? There is a tipping point where thoughts fail to reach celebratory status. A NASA scientist cannot reply on exemplary thoughts and intentions to launch a projectile into space, but a friend can convey they considered you a priority and took initial steps to deliver on their promise.

Glorious Strategy vs Inaction

What is it like to review an exceptional strategy statement with promises for a balanced company culture that toggles between engaged work time and generative problem-solving? Is it idyllic? However, the actionable work plan is focused only on production, and all the supporting metrics are output-based. 

Like an athlete, our performance trends towards our practice routine. If we pledge board engagement but proceed for months without sending updates except to prod for more donations, we are not going to build an involved group. We might instill some behaviors worthy of a bank ATM.

How might our behaviors match our strategies and values? The most impactful starting point is in real-time. Do something immediately that connects behavior and the goal. We can write down the most glorious intentions, but how we act is more reflective of where we are heading.

For entertainment value, Chatgpt created the following misaligned example:

Vision Statement: To create a harmonious and prosperous society where every individual thrives in a world of abundance, equity, and sustainable development.

Mission Statement: Empower people and communities through innovative and compassionate solutions, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship.

Goals:

  1. Universal Well-being:
    • Ensure access to quality healthcare, education, and basic necessities for all.
    • Promote mental and emotional well-being through community support systems.
  2. Environmental Sustainability:
    • Achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
    • Promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
  3. Inclusive Economy:
    • Establish an equitable economic system that eliminates poverty and provides equal opportunities for growth.
    • Encourage local, sustainable businesses to thrive.
  4. Global Unity:
    • Foster international collaboration and understanding.
    • Work towards the elimination of borders and the establishment of a unified global community.
  5. Technological Advancement for Humanity:
    • Develop and use technology for the betterment of society, ensuring ethical use and accessibility for all.

Work Plan:

While the strategic plan outlines a utopian vision, the work plan deviates from the idealistic goals.

  1. Production Metrics Focus:
    • Prioritize economic growth over social well-being.
    • Emphasize production metrics without considering environmental impact or resource depletion.
  2. Wealth Concentration:
    • Encourage wealth accumulation among a select few, leading to income inequality.
    • Neglect social safety nets and public services in favor of economic gains.
  3. Nationalistic Policies:
    • Adopt isolationist and nationalistic policies, hindering international collaboration and unity.
    • Promote protectionism, leading to unequal global development.
  4. Technological Disparity:
    • Develop and deploy technology without considering its ethical implications.
    • Allow technological advancements to exacerbate societal divisions rather than fostering inclusivity.
  5. Short-Term Profit Maximization:
    • Prioritize short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.
    • Disregard the environmental impact of production processes.

Alignment Adjustment: To realign the work plan with the utopian goals, it is crucial to:

  • Integrate ethical considerations into production metrics.
  • Promote wealth distribution and prioritize social welfare over economic gains.
  • Embrace international collaboration and cooperation for global progress.
  • Ensure technology is developed and used responsibly, considering its impact on society and the environment.
  • Prioritize long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship in all decision-making processes.