Turning Chaos To Order, Part 1.

I've identified 7 steps on how to turn chaos into order. (See yesterday's blog for the overview).  Today we are going to start with Part 1.  It includes a word that can mean many things (vision), and I will show you how to make sure it's not just lip service.

Here is STEP 1:

You've got to have a solid vision.  
You must bring things into the light so that you can determine if they belong or need to go.


Now let's talk about how to make it happen.


The quote in the picture above is pretty cool.  And before you bail because you think I am saying you need to be the next Steve Jobs, hang on.  Being able to act on vision isn't a key-note-speaker-only thing.  It's an everybody-all in-working together-to accomplish something greater thing.


The vision "pulls you" 
when you do these 4 things.


1. Let your voice be heard.  Again, I'm not asking you to get behind a podium (although some of you may need to).  I am asking you to start a conversation with someone on your team. Bringing things into the light requires someone to shed light. That's you. Do a little homework. Go re-visit the "vision/mission" statement of your organization.  Go soak in the core values of your organization.  And then whatever chaos you are going through, simply apply them as the filter for the next decision you make.  If your organization doesn't have them, you have two choices.  Offer to help create them OR…start looking for an organization that does.  You'll never accomplish anything great wandering and wondering where to start.  Letting your voice be heard as it encourages others to make decisions based on who your team is, why it exists and what it believes?  That's a solid start.  That's called casting vision.  That crushes chaos and brings order.


2. Let your eyes and ears listen.  Yes, I realize that I just told you to let your eyes listen too.  Your eyes can tell you just as much as your ears sometimes.  Body language in meetings, around the break table, in the hallways.  It all adds up.  After you've started conversations based on your organization's vision, pay attention. You'll either be met with resistance (confrontation) or excitement (conversation).  Resist the urge to engage anything confrontational.  Run towards those who want to continue talking about who you all are, why you exist, and brainstorm how to get there.  When you can start to see the difference, you will know where to spend your time.  You will also feel a sense of order and calm replacing the previous feeling of chaos.


3. Let your hands and feet take action.  This step is the difference between sitting around and talking about feeling good, and actually accomplishing something great.  You will have to separate based on intentions.  Those who stop short of action many times have the best of intentions. What you are looking for now is the intentionality to act.  It doesn't mean everything will work out perfect.  But you'll be closer to your destination with each step you take at this point.  When your propensity and default is to act on who you are and why you exist, you not only replace chaos with order…you will see others start to do the same.  You will start to attract passionate vision-casters.


4. Call it what it is so others can do the same.       When you clearly articulate your vision, you are creating the opportunity for others to do the same.  When they can, you'll start to sense a feeling of community. It's based on the relationships you are building.  All the time you've put into speaking up, stepping back to listen, and walking out next steps has lead you here.  The bottom line…be clear.  Trade clever in for clear.  


Continue to use your vision as THE filter for all decisions.  
Continue to invite others along for the ride.  
Continue to replace chaos with order.


And as weird as this last statement may sound, listen carefully.


Enjoy the bumps along the way.
They will help attract more people willing to ride with you over them, and separate from those who were only in for a smooth ride all along. (You don't need those kind of people on board)

I realize these posts are a little longer than normal.  I'm not sure which parts will help which people…but I know that the content is changing the lives of many, many clients I work with.  My hope is that by acting on these steps you and your team will as well.


Part 2 is coming in the days ahead...
"You've got to create healthy boundaries."  
You must do this so that things that appear attractive don't become habits that are destructive.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a GREAT day!