In today's episode of The Executive Coach podcast, I'm sharing a recent conversation I had with Anita Anello on her podcast, The Messy Middle.
We got into the nuts and bolts of what it's like to build a vision with me, discussing what vision building is, what it isn't, and the reality of what it's like when you're inside an organisation, doing really well, but perhaps over that longer term 10-year vision, you want something that's a bit more independent, a bit more creative.
This is a theme that has come up quite repeatedly with my Vision Builder clients as they look out to the future. They're thinking about how they can have more autonomy, how they can have more creativity, ownership and direction in their work.
The Vision Builder has been in existence for about a year now, which is quite exciting. I've had an incredible time taking people through the Vision Builder, seeing the commonalities that come out in those visions and also just seeing the impact that it has on people to have that 10-year vision, have somebody supportive like me to help them stretch.
As I share some of the highlights of my conversation with Anita, I'd like you to consider: Have you ever felt stuck in your current role, sensing there's something more but unsure how to get there? Or perhaps you're doing well but feel a nagging desire for a change? If so, you're not alone, and this post is for you.
Anita: Maya, can you tell us about this 10-year vision programme you run with clients?
Absolutely! The Vision Builder process is something I've developed to help high-achieving professionals dream bigger and plan more effectively for their future. Many of my corporate clients, who are brilliant at executing plans and hitting targets, often struggle when it comes to envisioning a future they can't immediately see the path to.
I start by guiding them through some foundational work:
1. Identifying signature strengths: Not just workplace skills, but those unique abilities that truly light them up.
2. Recognising their 'zone of genius': Areas where they have an almost unfair advantage.
3. Exploring rare and valuable skills: Capabilities that are likely to be in high demand and lucrative in the future.
We also explore concepts like 'manifestation for logical thinkers', addressing the scepticism some of my corporate clients initially have about such ideas.
Anita: That's fascinating! How do you actually go about crafting the vision?
Once we've laid this groundwork, we begin to construct the vision itself. This often involves exercises like imagining your ideal day, from morning to evening. It's remarkable how much we can learn just from envisioning that perfect morning routine.
After the initial vision is created, we work together to address any 'knots' or dilemmas that arise. This is where my role as a supportive challenger comes in - helping clients see possibilities where they might perceive roadblocks.
We then translate this 10-year vision into a more concrete three-year plan. This helps bridge the gap between the expansive dreaming and practical action steps.
Anita: What about people who are feeling stuck or unhappy in their current roles? How can they use this process?
That's a great question, and it's a common situation. One crucial aspect of this process is learning to appreciate and maximise your current situation. Often, elements of your 10-year vision are already present in your life - it's about recognising and amplifying them.
For those feeling stuck, we explore ways to 'feed yourself first' - prioritising tasks aligned with your vision, even within your current job. This can lead to a transformation in energy and outlook, making the journey towards your vision more enjoyable.
Let me give you an example. I had a client who knew she wanted a CEO-type role in the future, but was struggling in her current position due to a toxic environment. When we did her 10-year vision, we realised that part of her current role - the media-facing aspect - was actually perfect preparation for her future aspirations. By prioritising these tasks and doing them early in the week when her energy was fresh, she completely transformed her experience of work.
Anita: That's brilliant! But what about the risk of people just quitting their jobs impulsively after doing this vision work?
It's a real risk, and it's something I'm very mindful of. We can get very impatient once we realise we want a change, can't we? We might want to make that big, grand gesture of quitting.
But I encourage my clients to take a longer view. I often say, "This is probably going to take longer than you thought, and that's okay." We focus on getting happier where we are today while taking small, strategic steps towards the vision.
Remember, significant changes often take longer than we initially hope. It's about adopting an attitude of patience and taking small, high-leverage steps consistently. These steps might require courage rather than time - like having challenging conversations or putting yourself out there in new ways.
If you're intrigued by the idea of creating your own 10-year vision, why not start with a simple step? Take a walk in nature, allow yourself to daydream, and see what emerges. There's no pressure to act immediately - this is about planting seeds for your future self.
Remember, by taking the time to craft and work towards your true vision, you're setting yourself on a path that aligns with your deepest aspirations. It's not about predicting outcomes, but about ensuring you're moving in a direction that feels authentic and fulfilling to you.
To catch up on the full details of my conversation with Anita, you can listen to the podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-executive-coach-c-suite-career-planning-goals/id1463542602 (Apple Podcasts)
You can also watch the original episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z52979uHjls&t=1521s
And if you'd like to explore this further, I have an earlier episode called "The 10 Game-Changing Benefits of Vision Building for High Achievers". Give it a listen if you're curious about exploring more about this topic.
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