Defining a team’s purpose

I came across this last week in a Franklin Covey, Clarifying Your Team’s Purpose and Strategy guidebook. I wanted to share it with everyone, as it was very eye opening to me.

When developing a purpose, balance rigorous personal thought and analysis with appropriate team feedback and involvement.

Two common blunders:
• The Lone Genius: The leader goes “off to the mountain,” creates a purpose and vision, and announces it to everyone. Result: no commitment, understanding, or buy-in.
• The Opinion Poller: The leader takes no stand, follows the crowd, and over involves people. Result: lack of confidence in the leader and murky purpose.

When it comes to defining a team’s purpose, the time-proven rule applies: No involvement, no commitment.

Really, this just doesn’t apply to defining a team’s purpose, it applies to any decision you are making when leading a team.