Vision, What do You Want, Why and Starting with the End in Mind

What if we as project managers began each project, before the plan is written, the team is selected, or the schedule is laid out, with clearly articulating the vision, the why, the what, and the end? What if we created that using tools such as guided imagery, meditation, or some other experiential exercise? What if we did that daily, not for a week, but for the length of the project? What benefit would be realized by using these techniques as well as standard project management practices such as issue and risk management? Why am I even asking these questions?

A clear vision which creates a mutually beneficial outcome to everyone involved in a project, whether team member or receiver of the product that is created, is contagious and creates extraordinary results. When everyone involved is excited about what is being created the commitment, perseverance, and dedication to success increases. When there is a clear picture of what each will receive from participating fully in the project outcome is success. It is only when there appears to be inequality in what each receives from participating that efforts begin to deteriorate. The beauty of creating a mutually beneficial vision, one that everyone sees themselves as a winner, is the energy that everyone is willing to give to the effort.

One quick note, preventing loss is not a win for most people. In other words, being able to continue to work is not seen as a win. That is not a value proposition to most. It does not lend itself to dedication and willingness to do whatever it takes. It does lend itself to doing the bare minimum necessary to maintain employment. When I hear things such as, they should be grateful to have a job or overtime is expected if they want to continue on, I know that the workplace is focused on win/lose rather than win/win. Ensuring there is a clear value placed on each individual and their contribution is what creates energy and commitment. Devaluing individuals is a recipe for mediocrity.

Another quick note, a vision statement is not what I am driving toward. I agree that a vision statement is powerful and without the imagery of what done looks like and without the accompanying ways of being that embody successful delivery, a vision statement become a poster which is glossed over like the “Hang in There” posters of years ago. We become numb to what they are and what they stand for. If the moment to moment of project life does not embody the vision statement, the vision statement is empty. The moment to moment must be just as loud in celebration as the big wins. What do I mean by that? It means that our integrity, the truth of who we are and who we are being and how we show up to others are in the small moments when it matters most.

All of this leads back to embodying the vision every day. This is accomplished through meditation, guided imagery, and journaling. This is done daily for the life of the project, not once or twice. Taking the time to sit quietly and see the future including the feelings, the visual cues, who is there, and what success looks like at a detailed level. Taking the time to see the future, envision success, and then communicate that fully to the project team in a way that they see their value and their contribution to the outcome is what leaders are able to create. Practicing in all areas of your life, not just your project management, will improve your ability to lead your life. Practicing the small moments through these same tools will increase your awareness and presence to how you are showing up in all areas. What are you practicing today?