Envision What’s The Hope

After defining the challenge and clarifying “what is”, you can begin to envision the hoped-for future:

• Pick a time frame for success
• Imagine yourself in that future
• Describe what success looks and feels like
• Select the key elements

Pick A Time Frame For Success:

Be realistic. Some projects and initiatives will take more time than others. And most will take more time than you originally think. If you are tackling some BIG business issues, it might easily take a year or longer to resolve.

Imagine Yourself In That Future:

Fast forward in your mind to the time frame you chose. Imagine that you are sitting in the same chair but in the future. Imagine you are here to reflect on completing this big issue.

Describe What Success Looks And Feels Like:

What do you see in the future? What would success look and feel like? What is the mood in the organization? How is moral? How is business?

Select The Key Elements:

Once you have defined what success will look and feel like, jot down the key elements. These key elements are the foundation for your new vision. Share this with your team. Bring them into this process. Help them understand what you think success will look and feel like. Get their opinions too.

These guiding principles are highlighted in Erika Andersen’s book Being Strategic.