Last week, we celebrated our Resilient Leaders Elements annual conference, a chance to see old colleagues and meet new ones in our Community of Practice face to face for the first time in a long time. It was amazing. The energy in the room was high and new collaborations are already bubbling away. On the other side of the world though, in Dubai, (where I live) it was the opening ceremony for Expo 2020. Both of these events have a strong tie to our theme this week…Clarity of Direction. Discussing the opportunities for the future and making the vision a reality.
Are you a leader clear in your direction? Clear in your goals? Clear in your vision? The Resilient Leaders Elements define Clarity of Direction using these 3 facets:
Strategic Intent: Having a vision and realistic strategy for the future and finding ways to achieve them
Unifying Purpose: Creating alignment, communicating effectively and enrolling people in the Strategic Intent
Determination: Seeing through the fog of events, being able to adapt without compromising the Strategic Intent
We shall be digging deeper into this theme this evening as part of our Resilient Women Leaders programme, supporting our cohort in creating a powerful goal they can see, they can visualise and therefore they can reach. Once you nail your goal and truly believe in it, every part of your body will be energised and determined to achieve it.
This is how Expo 2020 Dubai came about too. Back in 1970, they had a vision of CONNECTING MINDS AND CREATING THE FUTURE.
“Shape a better world, look beyond our differences, united in our diversity. A world more compassionate and more resilient. Connecting minds cultivates collaboration, partnership and solidarity. These are the values that shape collective priorities.”
Dimitri Kerkentzes, The Secretary-General of the Bureau des Expositions.
Everything they did supported this vision. Every decision they made supported this vision Every opportunity they took supported this vision.
Here is a snippet of, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al Nahyan’s (Minister of tolerance and coexistence) apt and powerful opening speech. ‘Today 192 nations come together, each represented by its own pavilion – a first in the 170 – year history of World Expos. Our mere presence here, amid all the challenges the world is facing, is proof of our keen commitment and desire to make the world a better place for all. By hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, we aim to convey a message of tolerance and that we are willing to collaborate with all of the world. This is the vision we must keep in our minds, for every reality throughout history started with a vision. Today we say to the whole world: welcome to the United Arab Emirates and welcome to Expo 2020 Dubai, which will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Welcome to Expo 2020 Dubai. Together we will covey from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary, a message of tolerance, coexistence and peace; a message of progress, prosperity and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future for everyone.” The vision was realised. Vision and perseverance is key. When you have a vision, whether it be a personal, professional or an organisational vision, you become stronger, you become more focused, you become more confident in who you are and you make it happen. Even if Covid does push it back a year! Getting greater Clarity of Direction doesn't have to be out of reach. In our current Regaining your Mojo Programme, we focus on finding your core purpose which automatically brings greater Clarity of Direction. A current cohort recently shared this with us .....
If finding your Core Purpose, or as Simon Sinek calls it your 'Infinite Purpose', is something you're missing in supporting you achieve greater Clarity, our next Programme starts on November 1st and we'd love to see you or take it one step further and be part of our next Resilient Women Leaders cohort where we not only support you in realising your vision, we help you get there too. Whatever you do to find your Clarity of Direction, do it. You'll be energised and focused, the world really is your oyster.
Comments