Strategic Intent: 3 Words to Describe My True North

I used to write words that formed our company direction; the “Strategic Intent”. There’s no business to lead now, but I’m thinking I need some words, some articulation for where I’m going. A sentence that holds me to my “true north”.

In the 1980’s, we were on fire; we designed and built Canada’s first mountain bikes. But we had parts shortages, manufacturing problems and component failures. Our commitment was that the bikes needed to be uncompromising. These strategic words kept us on track: “Total Commitment, No Compromise”.

Around 2010, while in East Africa, I had a moment of “Ah-hah!” when I read this statement: “...act justly; love mercy; walk humbly.” These six words helped me find a name, “JusTea” and a directional sense of how to invest in Kenya. Sixteen years in Kenyan tea and herb production the company has fostered deep producer and farmer relationships.

Can I apply a strategic intent to where I am these years? In the past, a few words aligned people towards one intent. It was the quality of bike manufacturing, and then it’s how our tea partners in Kenya were treated.

My days are now geared to relationships. I’m discovering how rich and beneficial it is for me to just hang out with people. They don’t have to “fit” into my world of productivity, or my network. I’m moving away from questions like; “Can we agree on what the agenda is?” or “What’s the meeting objective?”

When I ran companies, meetings had objectives, agendas, outcomes. Now I’m discovering a different kind of meeting. It’s just one person online, or when we share a beer. There’s no plan, just our presence together.

It starts slow; just with shaking hands, maybe there's some eating and drinking. Lots of eye contact. Listening. Learning. Waiting. And then at the end, a warmer acknowledgement, even a farewell hug.

I’m still searching for the words of strategic intent to describe these relationship-centered meetings. Words that answer the “why?”; that can act as a compass, guiding me to my “true north”.

“I choose you.” These three words from my post last week are still resonating for me.

It’s risky for me. Sometimes I don't want to humble myself and simply choose to care for one so deliberately. It’s out of my comfort zone.

But there’s often a deep rich contentment inside, when we can come alongside each other. Through words, feelings, hopes and even fears.

All the years operating in business, I was the one to articulate the overall intention. Now I’m considering that maybe three simple words “I choose you”, summarize my personal commitment to deeper, more honest relationships.

So how do you operate?

Do you have words that describe “true north” in your company or in your personal life?

I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and Facebook​

See you next week,

Grayson

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