Making Vision Stick ~ Some Great Thoughts

BEFORE YOU READ THIS POST...

GO BACK TO THE EMAIL THAT SHARED THE LINK FOR THIS POST...

HIT THE REPLY BUTTON ON YOUR EMAIL...

WHEN YOU'RE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, TYPE ANY THOUGHTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE...

YOU DON'T HAVE TO REPLY TO EVERY THOUGHT, CHOOSE A FEW TO SHARE PRIOR TO OUR MEETING NEXT TUESDAY NIGHT...

PLEASE IDENTIFY WHICH THOUGHT (THEY ARE NUMBERED) YOU ARE SHARING ABOUT...

WHEN YOU ARE DONE WITH READING AND TYPING YOUR THOUGHTS, MAKE SURE TO HIT "SEND"...

I hope you've had some time to read "Making Vision Stick" over the past few weeks...

The promised blog posts fell by the wayside when I decided to take time off, rest and visit with my mom, giving my brother a break as her sole caregiver. I'll give you an update on her at the retreat next Tuesday...

Speaking of next Tuesday, let me share some thoughts about the information you've been reading... This will be the first of two posts covering the highlights of the book. This will give a foundation for our time together next week.

So, let's dive in and dissect Andy's thoughts...

THOUGHT #1

Andy states, "...the three primary obstacles to making vision stick are success, failure, and everything in between." (pg 12)

In the "reply" you have set up in your email, take a moment and explain your thoughts about Andy's "joke"...

THOUGHT #2

"Success lures us into taking our hands off the wheel. Failure causes us to overcorrect. Both success and failure can lead to disaster" (pg 13)

Have you observed any "success" or "failure" obstacles within your experience as a Gilead Ministries board member? What were they? Is there any opportunities you'd like to suggest to address these obstacles?

THOUGHT #3

Andy tells us, "When it comes to to making your vision stick, here is the most important thing to remember: You are responsible. It is the leader's responsibility to ensure that people understand and embrace the vision of the organization." (pg 17)

What can I do that will help you engage and consistently share Gilead's heart and soul?

THOUGHT #4

STATE THE VISION SIMPLY ~ "If your vision is going to stick in people's minds, it must be memorable." (pg 19)

Our little exercise at November's board meeting, where we took one minute to express what Gilead does, is a great starting point for this part of the book.

Please type out you believe Gilead Ministries does. Don't be shy, this is not about "catching" you being right or wrong, this is an exercise in progression and retention of our vision/mission as we understand it.

THOUGHT #5

"It is better to have a vision statement that is incomplete and memorable than to have one that is forgettable." (pg 21)

Type out 2 or 3 "taglines" from business or non-profit that you have stuck in your mind.

Explain why they have had "staying power."

THOUGHT #6

CAST THE VISION CONVINCINGLY ~ THREE ELEMENTS OF A VISION/MISSION (pg 24)

1. Define the problem ~ what problem does your vision solve? (pg 25)

2. Offer a solution ~ Your vision is a solution to a problem. (pg 27)

3. Present a reason ~ What is the reason something should be done "now."

THOUGHT #7

"I'll make a prediction. If you and your team will set aside time to define the problem, state your vision as a solution, and discover a compelling reason whey now is the time to act, you will walk away from that meeting, or series of meetings, with more passion for what you are about than you thought possible. Something will come alive in you. And when you talk about your vision, you will be more convincing than you've ever been before. Note too that when your team talks about the future, they will use similar terminology. You may even create a new vocabulary for your organization." -Andy Stanley (pg 33)