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robert patzelt's avatar

Doug, before we leave Apollo (different mission)I think it is important to remember JFK’s speech. In it he said "First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth."

In my opinion that is one of the best vision statements ever. It is clear and sets a deadline. In corporate parlance, it is a BHAG. A big, hairy, audacious goal.

He goes on to say “and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.” He says it will be hard and gives permission to throw everything at it. Fantastic! Inspired leadership. Aaahhh. The good old days. BTW, thank you for your posts. Be well. R

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robert patzelt's avatar

Doug, a key factor the Apollo team also had was a very clear sense of urgency which was reinforced by the also shared outcome of failure. Nothing focuses the mind more than the prospect of your own hanging the next morning.

Do the values and vision help an organization proceed forward until new, confirmed and accepted vital information replaces the old? Often organizations have to make decisions (or don’t make them) because information is not known, incomplete, etc. Things still happen. Is it that inertia is vision and values? The culture of the organization is still in force and depending on both the culture and the circumstances it will save the organization or drive it into a worse position.

Surely, the fine and brave people of the Ukraine are not awaiting vital information.

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