#2: Intentionality
“Intentionality is not just about making deliberate choices. It’s taking time to consider why those choices are being made and what is being prepared to ensure success forward.”
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Recently I had an interaction with an individual who had moved to a new country but was in their first 72 hrs of despair, doubting whether this was a good decision. As I listened to this individual speak, I was struck with the thought that, in addition to experiencing culture shock, it sounded as if there had been no forward planning or research done before arriving to their host country.
As the person continued to share their frustrations and explain why this new location wasn’t a ‘right fit’, they admitted they had done no research as it was too overwhelming; they had thought they could “wing it” upon arrival and it would all work out. While at the time that may have seemed like a good plan, in execution it was creating more apprehension, uncertainty, and stress than was necessary.
Listening, this made me pause and think:
How often have I seen initiatives brought into a work setting without forward planning and preparation?
How many times have leaders brought in programs with the mindset that our employees/ colleagues/ teachers can just wing implementation?
#2:
INTENTIONALITY
Intentionality.
This is such a key ingredient for success that we often overlook. Whether it’s successfully making the move to a new country, implementing a new strategic plan, or building a new program,
intentionality is not just about making deliberate choices. It’s taking time to consider why those choices are being made and what is being prepared to ensure success forward.
It’s talking time to ask and dig into the harder questions:
What is the purpose that I/we have for making this decision?
How does this decision align with the goals that I’m/we’re creating to help move towards the direction of my/our vision?
How does this decision align with the things that I/we value?
What do I/we need to help make this decision as successful as possible?
Often times the answers to these questions are given without much consideration. We recite basic answers that come immediately to mind, almost as easily as we can the jingle to the newest commercial we hear.
Yet, when we take time to look at these questions more closely, next to the decisions that we are contemplating, we begin to have a deeper awareness that these simple questions have more depth than we have considered at first glance.
Intentionality is not just a buzzword; without it, great ideas can be way-sided and the best intentions can fall apart. Instead, intentionality is a framework that can help transform the decisions we make. By being deliberate and mindful in our choices, we position ourselves to align our actions with our core values and long-term goals. An intentional mindset allows us to not only move forward with clarity and confidence, but it also enables us to move forward with purpose.
Check out our free download, “Intentional Decision Making”, to help you reflect on your decision making process. The next time you have a decision to make, take a moment to pause, evaluate, and then choose with intention.
