Let’s Play A Game of “Let’s Pretend”

But not before you are ready….

In many of the initial Rock & Sand Strategic Planning sessions I lead, the team comes to the meeting, chomping at the bit.  They are ready to set the vision for the organization and want to do it right away.  While I appreciate the initiative and desire to do so, in such instances I find myself pulling on the reins a bit, until the assembled team is ready.  

Creating the vision for your organization is a bit of a game of “let’s pretend.” I actually use that expression during my sessions.  You are trying to draw out a picture of the future of your org.  A finish line that captures the imagination of the team and will inspire them.  I get it.  I want you to have the same thing.  I want you thinking big about it as well.  But only after I’m sure you are taking a number of things into account. 

• Your Core Purpose

• Your Core Values

• Your Core Customers and 

• Your Brand Promise to them

Additionally, I would also like you to run through a SWT(Strengths, Weaknesses, Trends) analysis.  It would also be good to do a rudimentary assessment of the competition. 

When most of this is done, which requires a bit of dialogue and time if it hasn’t been done before, the vision part, the “Let’s Pretend” part, gets a whole lot easier.  The game of “Let’s Pretend” is grounded in good strategy and business fundamentals.  The various levels of vision come rolling right out.  Things like…

• BHAG – a ten year Big Hairy Audacious Goal 

• 3HAG–a 3 Year Highly Achievable Goal 

• The bridges you’ll need to cross to achieve the 3HAG

• Next Years Goals

• Next Quarter’s Goals 

• Rocks & Sand for the next 90 days.  

If this list looks familiar to you, it’s the right side or “Vision” part of the Rock & Sand Strategic Plan.  The first list is the left side or “Cores” part of the Rock & Sand Strategic Plan.  You need to have a good, agreed upon, handle on the Cores, to successfully create the Vision that will inspire your team.  

That’s why I’m pulling on the reins in the early parts of our retreats.  You can’t have a good Vision without first knowing your Cores.  You won’t have one without the other.   

Want to play a game of “Let’s Pretend?” Let me help you get ready for it and then lead you through the game.