Begin with the end in mind:
Part II

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Happy New Year to all! We hope you had a joyous holiday season, and are starting the new year with a fresh outlook.

Last issue we shared the story of The Field of Dreams (click here to read the column), and how the power of a clear vision can carry you through to success on your hero's quest. We'd like the thank Tricia Sullivan for sharing her story. Her success did not go unnoticed -- she was recently hired by a large non-profit foundation to head up their annual giving program. Congratulations Tricia!

In keeping with the theme of "begin with the end in mind," we'd like to share a very unique approach to this concept from a book called "The Art of Possibility"(see www.benjaminzander.com/book/). Written by Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and his wife Rosamund, a psychotherapist, one of the book's chapters talks about "Giving an A." Ben discusses that in teaching music students, he couldn't get them to move beyond their preconceived mental barriers because they were too concerned about earning an A grade. His solution: tell them in the first class they had already earned the A. The catch: they had to write a letter, post-dated the following May, on WHY they had earned the grade. They had to explain what they had accomplished throughout the course of the year -- how they had grown and changed and moved beyond their current limitations. In other words, they had to begin with the end in mind. In doing so, they had already envisioned their success and could spend their energy on making it a reality. And more importantly, they were invested in making the dream come true because they had created the vision to begin with.

Does your company or credit union have a clear vision of what it means to be a hero to your customer or member? Does everyone involved in making that vision a reality -- from your board of directors to your front line employee -- have a chance to contribute to that vision? Imagine the power of the possibilities you could create if they do!

The beginning of a new year is a time for inspiration and rejuvenation. Share your vision with us by clicking here, or on the "Share Your Story" link at the top of the page. We'd love to hear what's "possible" in your organization.

Lisa and the Creative Abandon team

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JANUARY 5, 2007 | ISSUE NO. 012

Begin with the end in mind: Part II

Begin with the end in mind:
Part II