Define Growth
Last time you heard from me, I outlined the practice of VISIONING. This six-step practice is the first stage of growth planning. VISIONING anchors the growth planning process in a milestone or set of milestones to plan toward. When we are clear with ourselves on where we are going, we can make informed decisions about and design an effective plan for how to get there.
After VISIONING, the next three parts of growth planning help us define what growth means to us. Growth can come in many forms; it isn’t the same for everyone, and it’s not the same at all stages of your project, practice, or business. You might want to increase your revenue, community, opportunities, or all three. You might want to expand your leadership skills, connections, capacity, or all of the above.
Sometimes growth can look more like contraction. What if the best thing for your project, business, or practice is to STOP doing something? To refrain from offering more, or cutting back on an aspect of your output? Acknowledging and following through on a vision of doing less can also be a form of growth.
After VISIONING, the next three parts of growth planning help us define growth:
+ ASSESSMENT is a structured reflection on the past and evaluation of the present circumstances, resulting in a clear starting point for growth planning toward the vision.
+ MONEY extends ASSESSMENT into the area of finances.
+ DEVELOPMENT opens up space for imagination into potential areas for growth.
Growth planning is like cartography: we identify a direction (VISIONING); assess the context (ASSESSMENT & MONEY); and survey the terrain (DEVELOPMENT) before we can take our next steps and map the landscape (PLANNING). DEVELOPMENT is a part of the growth planning process where we can use the work of the first three parts to survey the terrain with a clear view. What we’re looking for in this survey are the features that characterize the path from where we are now to where we want to go. To do this effectively requires an understanding and acceptance of the lived realities of our work (ASSESSMENT & MONEY) combined with an engaged imagination to envision the possibilities that lie ahead (VISIONING).
In the development phase of growth planning, we define growth for ourselves with as much imagination, specificity, and detail as possible so we can take the next step of PLANNING for that growth.
Define what growth means to you in the 5th cohort of the Growth Planning Workshop. The workshop begins on September 4, and registration is now open.
Email me with questions or to register; or book a discovery call. I look forward to talking with you!
