In 2005, as president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the International Coach Federation, I held a meeting with the Board of Directors because in some areas we seemed to be hitting snags in accomplishing our objectives. While people were working hard and committed to achieving our goals, we were off base with some of our efforts. People needed to be focused and reoriented so I designed an outline for understanding productivity in a more strategic manner.

When operating as part of a high level team, it’s essential that all parties are on the same page and operating in harmony. When problems arise, it’s easy to complain, place blame, or focus attention on a person or circumstance when, in fact, the problem is a systems issue such as a lack of awareness of the vision or a misunderstanding of priorities or expectations. Sometimes people have their own agendas that don’t match with the group. Other times, people are charged to do tasks that do not play to their strengths so they struggle.

To achieve success in life or at work, there is a process or path that needs to be followed. In order to ensure success, you need to take purposeful action to create what you want. Each step along the way requires proper consideration without which bottlenecks occur and productivity suffers. Understanding the steps to success will help you as the leader clear the path so success can occur. This way, whenever you encounter stuck points in your team or in achieving your goals, identify what step is causing the problem. Then you can strategize possible solutions with greater ease.

The six steps include:
1. Strategic Vision
2. Projects (or Goals)
3. Plan
4. Details
5. Action
6. Follow through

The entire process requires commitment to the group and to each of these strategic steps. Without commitment, it is quite difficult to achieve success.

Strategic Vision: Vision is essential for success and is often overlooked. It provides focus for everyone’s actions. A vision is like a beacon of light way out on the horizon guiding you and your team in that direction. Without vision, people flounder. They move in all different directions rather than as a cohesive unit. A strategic vision must be compelling and clearly articulated to all involved parties. Leaders must be able to see the bigger picture and paint this picture for others. You cannot be a leader with no followers. People need to want to follow you, which means you need to give them reason to get excited. When people can see the vision, they become enrolled in its achievement. People need to envision their role and how they can take part in creating the picture you have painted.

Project Development: When you’re clear about where you’re headed, then you can identify projects or goals to help move you closer to that end point. Essentially, you break the bigger vision down into smaller, more manageable parts. There should be a vision for each project and an understanding of how this project will bring you closer to achieving the bigger vision. There should always be a vision for success so people know what they are working toward.

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