Once we have recognized the need to make a change, and started to lay the foundation (for some background on this, check out the first article in this series: Change Making…), the next step is to put our vision into words.
Look for the common ground that was established earlier on in the change making process and use that to guide the mission. Home in on the values that matter most to the company (or to ourselves, if this is a personal transformation). It may take some time, but it is worth boiling down your vision into a single sentence. Choose your words carefully. Think deeply about how this vision will guide you into the future.
When I read Designing Your Life I immediately felt different after completing the compass exercise. By putting my beliefs into words I felt like I had an actual compass in my hand, and I could begin to plot my course, rather than just wandering and searching for meaning.
The vision we create will become the guideline for all future action. For every decision that must be made, consult the vision. Talk about the vision often. Live it. Every day.
One of my favorite places to work was REI. The organization (technically a co-op) has a great mission: “inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.” It is clear that every decision is made with this goal in mind. Not only has REI been one of FORTUNE’s ‘Best Places to Work’ for 20 years in a row (!), but it continues to grow: $2.62 billion + 1 million new members last year (REI.com).
I didn’t enjoy working there because someone told me it was ranked as a ‘Best Place to Work’ or because the company was financially successful. I enjoyed working there because I loved the people and I loved the purpose. Every day it was clear why we came to work. We all wanted to be inspired, educated, and outfitted for outdoor adventure and stewardship. We all wanted to inspire, educate, and outfit others so that we have more friends to share in our adventures and stewardship.
When we have a strong vision and we live it every day awards and financial success become a product of that environment.
It’s worth noting that setbacks are inevitable. Some days will be better than others. In these times we need to remember to be honest about what is happening. Change is difficult and we can’t be too hard on ourselves if things aren’t running smoothly every day.
If we recognize a pattern of setbacks, then we might need to take action to “remove barriers,” as Dr. Kotter describes it. This could mean shifting people into different positions or changing processes to allow for the vision to flourish. If something (or someone) isn’t aligning with the vision then we need to consider how it can be guided into the right place.
This is true for personal transformation as well. Often times we have to reassess our routines and our relationships. An example that comes to mind is when an alcoholic becomes sober. One thing usually becomes clear right away: the friends they thought they had before were really just people to drink with. It’s hard to let go of things and people that are are familiar, but the things and people we surround ourselves with should align with our vision. True friends will support us and love us and help us achieve our vision.
A successful change, in an organization or in our personal lives, can only happen when we have a strong foundation of support and a clear vision to guide us into the future.