Revising Vision

In my role as a leadership consultant I often serve clients by challenging them to interrogate their assumptions and approaches. Thinking about things in different ways often proves insightful.

Today a group I worked with caused me to interrogate my own approach in an excellent way.

CALS (Canadian Association for Leisure Studies) board of directors invited me to help them define their purpose and priorities. This diverse group of academics shared stories of the best of what they do together, and described their hopes for the future of their field with inspiring passion.

As we were wrapping up for the afternoon someone asked if there are any examples of expressing Mission/Vision/Values in ways that are decolonized and more creative. I had to admit that I really don’t know.

I suggested that perhaps using a story instead of descriptive statements might work. We agreed that it is worth an attempt. But I am curious to learn more.

If any of my readers can direct me to examples or theory on decolonizing Mission, Vision, and Values I would greatly appreciate it.

In the meantime I’m planning to change my own terminology in ways I hope will make the often dry and distant concepts of Mission/Vision/Values more interesting and prompt greater creativity in the process.

Instead of Vision, I want to talk about Our Dream for a preferred future. I hope this draws out more descriptive and more inspiring ideas.

Instead of Mission, I want to talk about Our Path. I hope this will lend itself to a less rigid and linear approach to finding the way forward.

Instead of Values, I want to talk about Our Promise. I hope this will lead us to a more human and relational understanding of how we define our cultural essentials.

I will be continuing to seek alternative approaches and improved processes and language that will more effectively help all my clients understand and describe their plans and priorities. In so many ways I have so much to learn.

I am grateful for the lessons I learn from those I serve.