Sad Fact #2 won’t surprise you. But that doesn’t make changing it any easier. – SCN Encourager

Usually we’ll choose anything but… the SIMPLE.

And I mean anything.

For any number of reasons, we’ll choose the path of the –

the safe,
the people-pleasing,
the expected,
the self-serving,
or the ego-boosting.

Long before we’ll even give the “more simple and clear” route full and fair consideration.

At least that’s what I do.

Thanks to an ever-present inner voice which always nags, “Why make waves outside of your own lane?”

And how helpful is that?!?

But at least it moves me into Sad Fact #2.

Like yesterday’s Sad Fact, it also represents a “status quo” condition we can impact.

All we’ve got to do is consider taking the simple path first.

It begins with a simple question for you.

Here ’tis.
(See? I’m actually trying to practice what I preach… for once!)

How many times have you participated in creating a mission statement, a vision banner, or a list of your school district’s core values?

More than once, I’m sure.

Now, as important as these activities are, what would happen if everyone in your organization (whatever his or her position, role, and level) was able to SIMPLY articulate:

“I help ___[a]______ fulfill/do/reach ___[b]______ even if ___[c]_______.”

(a) = who is served
(b) = what is achieved/accomplished
(c) =  the existence of a unique challenge or obstacle

It’s kinda crazy, but it’s true.

When every team member can simply state his or her own “personal purpose” within their organization, good things happen.

Without fail.

Clarity becomes the norm and organizational momentum accelerates.

What mission statement hanging on a wall or printed on the bottom of a letterhead comes with this kind of guarantee?

Can’t say I know.

But you can double-check with Disney.

They’re believers.

In the simple.
In the purposeful.

In metrics that matter.

And yes, it’s embarrassing to defer to the wisdom of a mouse.

But what’s new? 

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