Joel A. Barker is famous for this quote:
"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without Vision just passes the time. Vision with Action can change the world".
This is what we strive for. We want to change our world. Whether it's just the tiny patch of dirt around our home or the culture our business runs around. If we want it changed, we need the vision and the action around it.
Are you surrounded by people who tell you what their visions are, yet they are stuck in neutral? You may see others running around constantly putting out fires and feel they genuinely affect change. How can you combine the efforts of both to change the world truly?
Focus is the key.
Follow One Course Until Satisfied
After you have a clear view of your vision, lay out a plan to execute. Take one step at a time until it is complete.
For example, you want to change the culture of getting your team ready on time. You are tired of having 8 O'clock meetings that begin at 8:15 as people stroll in. It's as simple as beginning at the start time immediately—no explanation to those who wander in at 8:04 of what was already said or agreed on. Just act like this is the usual way of working.
What are the simplest things you can do where your team will follow the lead? Put those into place immediately and see how the natural order sets in.
Vision plus Action can change the world.
Joel A. Barker was also the first person to popularize the concept of paradigm shifts in the corporate world. How many paradigm shifts have we gone through since COVID? We learned to work from home, ZOOM was more efficient than travel, and now we are testing hybrid workforces. What is your vision of YOUR future? To get there, you must lead by example. You will be disappointed if you take the do as I say, not as I do road.
"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps." - Confucius.
Again, visions without actions are just dreams. We all can dream, but don't be that guy ... bring the Action to the vision and set out to change your world the way you want. Or someone will change it for you.
If you are looking for ways to focus and dial into the future, let’s set up a 30-minute discovery call. It’s hard work today, but it will lead to a better tomorrow.