Before embarking on any initiative, we must ask why change is needed in the first place. In this stage we’ll ground ourselves in the organization’s mission and vision, and develop shared understanding of overarching goals and aspirations. This step is crucial for establishing motivation and alignment for the duration of the project. With a nod to Simon Sinek, we Start With Why.

With a clear purpose and intent, we define our desired destination. This includes envisioning where we want to be in the long term, setting aspirational goals, and describing our future state in a tangible way for everyone in the organization. It is important in this step to avoid placing any limitations or restrictions on our vision of the future.

Next, we’ll evaluate our current situation. It is crucial that we are completely honest with ourselves, even if it means facing some uncomfortable truths. To accomplish this, we will utilize various tools including Business Process Mapping and SWOT Analysis, as well as thoroughly examining all available data. Essential for developing an effective strategy is establishing a collective understanding of our organization’s current state.

In this step, we will develop a concrete strategy for change. Building upon the progress made in the previous steps, our strategy will go beyond mere aspirations and instead provide a practical action plan to guide us from our current state to our desired outcome. The plan will encompass essential strategies, initiatives, and tactics that are crucial for achieving our goals. Additionally, we must carefully consider the resources, capabilities, and partnerships that will be necessary to support us throughout this transformative journey.

As we embark on our journey and begin execution of our strategy, we divide our long-term goal into short- term objectives and milestones. These milestones will be measurable and have deadlines to keep us on schedule. Regular evaluation and adjustment of our roadmap, based on the milestones we’ve reached, are essential to maintain forward momentum. Additionally, we establish daily goals and objectives for our staff, ensuring that success is attainable for everyone, every day.

Throughout our journey, we need to constantly monitor and assess our progress. This involves utilizing metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and data-driven insights to evaluate our success. Regular communication and engagement are essential to ensure alignment and commitment. By asking the question, “Are we there yet?” at each stage, we encourage regular reflection and course correction to reach our destination efficiently and effectively.