The first step in the planning process is to create a clear and compelling picture of the future. Most planning models describe this step as “Vision.” But, why? Why is this step the first step and why is it so important to the planning process?

Most times, when a group jumps into planning, I see them assemble around a table and immediately begin to set goals. True, goals are an important part of the planning process, but if that is their first step, the group is in big trouble down the road. Without a defined vision, the liklihood of ANY goal be in alignment with their assumed vision is very remote.

Planning starts with a clear and compelling picture of the future. Once that picture is defined (in all of its warmth and fuzziness), goals can then be set that make some sense. But why else? Why is vision so important to the planning process?

I am not a golfer, but I am told that the most important thing that Tiger Woods, or Jack Nicklaus does, prior to any swing, is visualize the ball launching from the tee and traveling through the air, onto the green and into the hole. All modern sports now employ visualization into their coaching processes. Why? Visualization is powerful because it uses the right side of the brain to assist in muscle control, timing, stance, sequence and weight position. When the left side of the brain (the logical side) tries to assist with muscle control, timing, stance, sequence and weight position, it is actually counterproductive. The more a golfer thinks about their stance and how they hold their hands, the worse they actually do. Visualization works without words, to engage the right side of the brain, to put the body on autopilot to grip the club, control the backswing, launching the ball straight down the fairway, without conscious thought.

Vision, in planning, works to put a hundred small processes on autopilot. A team can collectively create a clear and compelling vision full of the hundred details that make a project successful. These hundred details might never make the light of a checklist, but on autopilot, they are the part and parcel of a project “gone right.” –TF