Envisioning the Future: 9 Tips for ‘19

As another year winds down, anticipation builds for the opportunities ahead in 2019. How can you fully engage your team in envisioning and goal-setting for a successful future? Here are 9 tips:

1 Communicate a Clear Vision.

Ensure it’s aligned with your organization’s mission and strategy. Clarify other people’s roles and responsibilities in attaining the vision.

2 Contribute in Small Ways.

Contribute to the conversation even before you may feel entirely comfortable or before your thoughts are fully vetted. Work in your ideas early, allow others to respond, and then incorporate their reactions into your replies.

3 Find Your Voice.

Leadership success entails more than just implementing someone else’s vision. Find your own voice, develop your plan, gain the commitment of others, and make it happen.

4 Involve Your Team.

Poll them for insights and help in generating new possibilities that can make the greatest impact next year – and beyond. Challenge each other to consider perspectives outside your organization.

5 Study Trends.

List five emerging trends likely to affect your industry in the near future. Brainstorm with your team about ways to capitalize on them, finding new opportunities to create value. What else is possible? What is restricting your options?

6 Exit Your Comfort Zone.

Tackle an initiative you know little about – something that requires you to step out of your comfort zone and be innovative. Use your resources and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

7 Draw on Real Life.

Utilize specific examples drawn from real-life circumstances to make your vision tangible to your team members. Convey connections between your vision and the organization’s overall goals.

8 Share Your Energy.

Inspire action without relying solely on your authority. Challenge others to continuously improve and add value to their team and the organization.

9 Trust – and Celebrate – Others.

Recognize and reward significant achievements of others. Communicate the achievements of your team to higher levels in visible, positive ways.