have you ever had one of those moments, when you heard someone say something so profound that you wanted to hear more; but they were already long gone onto the next topic. well that happened today in our all staff meeting, Mike Volkema, who followed Max Depree (author of leadership is an art, leading without power, and leadership jazz) as ceo of herman miller dropped a quick quote as he answered a question that i can not stop thinking about...
"vision without implimentation is daydreaming."
it's fun to daydream isn't it? the ideas might be so compelling; but if there aren't clear on ramps i think it can leave many people stranded, frustrated or even a bit cynical. when creating an idea or vision, think specifically about how you want to see that idea actualized. i think when leaders share ideas without ways to respond it gives the leader an out. it's a way for them to detatch from the idea or vision and put all the pressure on the followers to make it a reality. but if it is not clear, who really is to blame? the people or the leader? the students or the teacher? people want to know one thing and that is...
how.
how they can make the compelling a reality. how they can play a part in the larger story. how they can actually love their neighbor. how they can actually help bring order to the chaos. how...how...how. whether you're putting together a teaching, forum for leaders, or sharing a new idea make sure you can answer the how question.
on a side note, it's fascinating what feelings the word "how" brings up in contrast to "ideas." think about it, it feels similar to pc vs. mac; but it's interesting because apple has been able to time after time answer the how question which has only brought more glory to their vision and ideas. they don't day dream...they make their vision happen. i've heard many people who are wavering on who they will vote for in november say this about barak, they love his ideas; but aren't sure how he's planning on making it happen. have people said similar things about you? vision needs the how question to be answered and leaders who are deeply connected to their ideas will not ignore that truth.
is the ministry or business you lead able to answer the how question or is it a daydream waiting to implode?
if you want more info on this, check out a good book by Dov Seidman called, "How: why how we do anything means everything..."
strong post, steve.
sometimes we daydreamers need to surround ourselves with people who can help us with the "how." i know i do. i really need to grow in this area.
this post really has me thinking about my responsibilities for teaching. lately when i teach at our sunday gatherings, i've been intentionally leaving the hard job of application to the community. i've been trying not to over-apply or over-package the text, hopefully leaving room for the spirit to speak to people about the "how." but maybe all i've been doing is frustrating the people. i know this is probably a bit of a balancing act, but i think i'm guilty of taking things too far in the other direction - not enough "how."
hmm...
Posted by: robin ellingwood | July 17, 2008 at 06:50 AM
robin,
if you take the strengthsfinders to heart, people like you and i need to have some activaters around us to help make the ideas a reality...
you're right on in regards to the balancing act. i find myself swinging from one side of the pendulum to the other instead of finding the space in the middle.
appreciate you bro.
Posted by: steve carter | July 17, 2008 at 07:31 AM
"vision without implimentation is daydreaming."
vision needs the how question to be answered and leaders who are deeply connected to their ideas will not ignore that truth.
~the How part seems to get in the way of my ideas coming to fruition. HOW do you tune in to the correct activators in your life who can help with this? and why do i feel so adolescent responding to your blogs that are 2 years old? and lastly, who here in gr do you think would be willing to help me with my hows?
Posted by: Mimi Borst | July 24, 2010 at 09:11 AM