How to Create a Shared Vision

Working together doesn't have to be a difficult proposition. A common challange to overcome is each person on a project has her own ideas to best achieve the goal. Taking time to create a shared vision can lead to greater satisfaction with the collaborative process. Create a shared vision and reach the final outcome of a project.

Instructions

1. Identify the parameters of the project. Consider what you're trying to achieve, the plans to accomplish it and what might hinder a successful outcome. Hold a brainstorming meeting with relevant participants at the beginning of the partnership or process to establish the answers to those questions.

2. Call a meeting to begin creating the shared vision. Instruct people to prepare for the meeting by developing ideas about the ultimate goal for the finished project. Use this meeting to give everyone a voice. Develop a means to continue input as the project progresses.

3. Make a list of potential courses of action and briefly discuss the pros and cons of different approaches. Assess the proposed methods and executing the plan with available resources.

4. Create a document that lays out the shared vision and the role each participant plays in the successful completion of the project. Circulate it and make sure that everyone agrees that the document represents the vision developed as a group.

5. Hold weekly or monthly meetings to check progress of the project and make sure that everyone is working within the context of the shared vision. Adjust the direction if necessary, based on feasibility or new information.

Tips & Warnings

• To maintain focus of the shared vision, create a mission statement, motto or group perspective to reinforce the vision. Use as few words as possible so it's a quick way to stay focused.