“Don’t first sell people on a vision.  Confront the reality (the facts). 
Don’t decide first and then appear to discuss.  Have a true dialogue, then decide. 
Don’t make progress toward the goal invisible.  Show progress, make it obvious.”

Jim Collins

Don’t first sell people on a vision.  Confront the reality (the facts). 

Picture this: you’re at the base of a mountain, envisioning the exhilarating view from the top. But what about the rocky terrain right in front of you? That’s your reality, and it needs your attention. First things first, assess the facts. Address the hurdles, accept the challenges. Confronting reality isn’t a detour from your vision—it’s the first step toward it.

Don’t decide first and then appear to discuss.  Have a true dialogue, then decide. 

Now, let’s think about your team meetings. Picture a round table discussion, voices overlapping, ideas flying. But wait, has the decision already been made? Are you just going through the motions? Flip the script. Initiate a real dialogue, make room for open discussion. Decisions should be the product of collective intelligence, not a premeditated imposition.

Don’t make progress toward the goal invisible.  Show progress, make it obvious.

Finally, visualize your journey toward the goal. Do you see a clear path or just a foggy destination? Your team needs to see progress, not just promises of a future achievement. Make every step count, every small win noticeable. Progress isn’t just the light at the end of the tunnel—it’s the illumination along the way. Remember, a journey is not just about the destination, it’s about appreciating and acknowledging every step towards it.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.