Vision, Strategy, and Plans
Nesting Theres:
Vision occurs at multiple interconnected levels.
To lead effectively, the vision we cast must unify the complexities of four layers: mission, strategy, milestones, and goals. The THERE-HERE-PATH structures each of these layers.
The Four Levels of THERE-HERE-PATH
Transcendent THERE – The Mountain: What are you willing to give your life for? Your transcendent THERE should be the ultimate why behind your organization. In fact, this transcendent goal should guide every other layer of vision.
Strategic THEREs – The Hills: These are long-term projects. Additionally, they’re the last objective in a particular category of activities. In other words, when you’ve achieved a strategic there, you’ve checked off a whole category of activities. Put simply, setting these goals comes with the challenge of grouping all your different activities into categories.
Milestones – The Boulders: These steps are big accomplishments that fall into the categories that make up your strategic THEREs. In addition, they provide positive feedback, and let you know you’re on your way towards bigger achievements.
Goals – The Rocks: These are daily, weekly, monthly tasks. They simply ask, “What do we need to work on next?” When we check goals off of our lists, we make progress towards our milestones. Don’t forget to make your goals SMART!
Nesting There’s flow in both directions, from Transcendence to goals and from goals to transcendence. Therefore, the direction you move depends on whether you’re casting a vision or implementing a plan.
Starting with a vision might look like this:
Transcendent: Teach child right from wrong
Strategy: Instill hard work/discipline through chores
Milestone: Help child understand/complete a year of chores
Goal: Decide what beginner chore to assign child
Or it might look like this:
Transcendent: Unity in marriage
Strategy: Confess mistakes, celebrate triumphs, be courageous
Milestone: Share honestly as soon as things happen
Goal: Intentional check-in once a week
But implementing your plan once you’ve cast a vision might look like this:
Goal: Introduce Servant Leadership tools to executive leadership
Milestone: Have the entire organization trained in tools
Strategy: Transform culture of organization
Transcendent: Operate effectively as an organization
Or like this:
Goal: Build water wells
Milestone: Providing water for entire village/area
Strategy: Provide access to water for all people
Transcendent: Love/serve/ease suffering
These four layers nest together. In fact, each layer fits within the others so that momentum and motivation align. Together, they drive us deeper into our journey toward our Transcendent there. They unify the vision that we have cast and the steps we need to implement that vision