Re: Sharing the Vision LO3442

DAVID REED (DPR9989@kgv1.bems.boeing.com)
Thu, 26 Oct 1995 10:37:43 -0700 (PDT)

>Dave Buffenbarger asks: Are there people out there (wherever there is) who
believe *truly* shared vision gets created without talking about what matters?
In effect, pour the passion into people's' hearts and minds for them? If this
is approximately right, I need to change a couple of explanations about shared
(versus sharing) vision in a significant way.

I believe that there are those that need or want the vision poured into them.
Now, do they believe in the vision or accept it. We have people with
many diverse backgrounds and needs. What drives one person is not what
drives another. A farmer told me that there are many kinds
of seeds; those that grow in warm climates and those that grow in cold. Seeds
that require drought, flood, and fire. Seeds that need carefully prepared soil
and those that can be tossed into rocks. Each one unique.

In my work, I have to continually ask myself what is it that motivates others
to come to work each day and produce and improve and learn and grow? Do they
all subscribe to a shared vision that is one in the same as our company's
leaders? I think not. Many may share the vision of good living standards, or pu
tting children through college, many may love the relationships with their
co-workers (a sense of family), and many may be here to learn all they can and
grow. And there are those individuals who, through cultural upbringing or
personal priorities, prefer to be given the vision or direction. Are these
people poorer performers? Are they bad model employees? Not necessarily. It was
asked in an earlier posting if everyone in the organization had to be committed
to LO. I believe there are those who can easily see that their jobs
will become easier or better because of the efforts of others. The organzation
may not progress as fast as it could but it certainly doesn't stop because of
these people. The trick is to listen. Listen to them. Listen to their mental
models of life. Listen to what warms their hearts and stirs their desires. And
if the organization can respond then they will be drawn in.
Maybe this seems a bit trite but it is easy to expect everyone to get on board
with the vision. I believe our work is to support the "roving leaders" in
learning organization concepts while developing an understanding with the
hierarchial leaders and those not yet warmed by the spirit.

I attended a grassroots session last night on learning organizations. One
of the most exciting events Iv'e attended in some time. Over 90 people in our
company came together simply to discuss what learning organizations meant
and to explore ways to implement the concepts within our company. It was
not programized, it did not require prior reservations or the filling out of
training forms. It was just many people with a common vision who needed an
opportunity to talk. Wow, if you want to explore different mental models, get
in a circle with 90 diverse people and discuss personal mastery, or shared
visions, or system dynamics. Especially if one person is a published poet,
another a student of religion, managers, engineers, professional trainers, and
more. It was a very rewarding experience. Have Fun!

--
 Dave Reed
 (206)655-3245 M/S 11-04
 Internet Address:  dpr9989@kgv1.bems.boeing.com