A “Blooming Desert” is Not a Vision

At the end of the day, the team described their current state like “a pack mule or a bomb scene.”  Their desired state for the future looked like a “desert in bloom.”

This isn’t a vision.  This is just plain stupid and a waste of time and money.

As many organizations struggle to re-define or re-create who they are to stay competitive in these challenging times, they hire a facilitator to assist in the process.  In many situations, that’s a wise decision.  Unfortunately some facilitators are enthralled with the latest game or gimmick to generate “out of the box” thinking.

A manufacturing group that was charged with implementing rigorous continuous improvement processes found they had the tools to put in place, but had no idea of where they were going.  It was like having a GPS system with no destination.

A corporate facilitator was brought in to assist the group in creating the vision of the destination or their desired state for the future.  As the General Manager described it, “We looked at lot of picture to describe where we are and where we want to be.  We left depressed about being a ‘pack mule’ and confused how the blooming desert represents our future vision.”

Creating a new vision and “out of the box” thinking requires, THINKING. Not games or silly gimmicks.

Sure, having an environment that can stimulate creativity is great. Or having fun during the process is a good thing.  But that’s just the beginning.

Creating a new vision or any “out of the box thinking” requires challenging conventional thinking.  What if? Why not? How about?  It requires digging deep and sacrificing any blame or excuses as to why not…

The path to a new vision is bold and uncharted. It’s energizing and inspires a commitment to act.  The vision is shared by key stakeholders and easy to explain all who will play a part in making the vision a reality.

A real vision will be passed on and anyone who plays a part in its fruition, feels they made it happen.

• Is your vision clear?
• Is it bold?
• Does it inspire the people who matter?
• Is it doable over time?

Marty Stanley helps organizations change by facilitating visioning and strategic planning sessions that really stick. Contact Marty at 816-822-4047 to see how she can help your organization succeed in the 21^st century.

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