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.
An image showing the relationship betwee each of the four types of theres.

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

Are you being intentional about the vision you are pursuing and why you are pursuing it? Do your Transcendent THERE, Strategic THERE, Milestones, and Goals nest together effectively?
Additional Resources
Podcast Episodes
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Audio Series

In this episode we talk about the value of SMART Goals. Goal setting creates focus and intention, and is a tool that will help move you along the PATH towards your THERE.