I always
enjoy seeing intentionality. I think most of us enjoy clarity and intentionality is one of the best ways to communicate clearly. Over time, intentionality is one of the traits or skills I’ve tried to master.
When I’m talking
with organizational leaders, I often suggest that intentionality is one of the key
factors of success. In fact, without
being intentional, it’s difficult to even know when you have achieved success. Over time, I’ve joined the
adverb to the adjective and often talk about being ‘Intentionally intentional’. This is not all that unusual to combine words for emphasas as I’ve I have
seen other consultants talking about being committed to commitment or being
earnestly earnest just for example.
Intentionality
however is the granddaddy of them all. People that are non-intentional go
through life just bouncing from one activity to the other and filling their
days with activity. While that is a
lazy way to live, it’s a horrible way to lead an organization.
I’ve upset the
applecart often, perhaps that is why I do consulting. While “leadership” is in
vogue for many good reasons, I remind organizational leaders that great leaders
understand that they need managers to be productive and achieve results. Management is ‘intentional’ about planning,
directing, controlling and organizing the company.
‘Intentionally
intentional’ is a skill that once mastered, begins to be useful in so many
ways. Meetings that are meaningful are
intentional. No one wants to attend
meetings that have no agenda, no goal, no intentionality. Organizations that are intentional about
everything from monthly sales to product launches to service and process
improvements will not only rise quickly to the top of the class but also easily
be able to measure the relative success of their efforts.
Here are some
suggestions for all leaders:
- Be more intentional—identify objectives and direction and specify intended results
- Demonstrate intentionality by staying focused on desired results and being accountable for the results.
- Become more intentional in your personal growth.
- Inspire others to become more intentional.
‘Intentionally
intentional’ is a catchy little phrase that can go a long way into turning
regular activities and daily routines into purposeful actions that deliver
intended results.
