The Visualization Exercise
In the strategic planning process, you need to have a vision for your organization, otherwise, what are your goals guiding you toward? As discussed in the last email, an organization has to be driven by its purpose; likewise, you also need to be future-focused with a clear handle on where you want to be. The visualization exercise is one way to accomplish that.
Gather your leadership team together and work on this exercise in two small groups. Consider what your organization will look like in three years. In your mind, what does that success look like?
Now there’s one rule to this exercise: You can’t use words. So by drawing images, symbols, or numbers, answer the following questions:
- Where do you picture your organization in three years?
- What are the main areas of success?
- How are you serving your customers?
- How are your people interacting and collaborating?
Answering these questions without words will be easier said than done, but give it your best try. Remember, the real value of this exercise will be the discussion that comes out of it.
Both groups should now have a series of drawings. Gather everyone together and compare the two group’s results and discuss the themes that emerged. Identify the top three from the group. These will be the themes you take with you as you develop your strategic plan.
The visualization exercise is a powerful tool for both leaders and teams to create a clear, aligned vision of the future. The benefits are:
- Clarity: You and your team can get clear on your goals and aspirations, and it makes your vision more tangible and easier to understand.
- Alignment: By creating a shared vision, everyone is on the same page. This helps align your team and keep everyone moving in the same direction
- Motivation: A visual representation of your future state is motivating. It helps to keep your team focused on the end goal and can inspire them to work harder to achieve it.
In the end, the visualization exercise is a key component of strategic planning and essential for growth. By including it, you’ll be better equipped to create a roadmap for success and lead your team to a successful year.
Watch our Visualization video below for more tips on completing this exercise:
Set Up Your Organization for Success With the Right Vision
ELEVATE YOUR STRATEGY GAME IN JUST MINUTES!
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