Our conditioning dictates that the goal is the thing, not the process of getting there. I’m as caught in this groove as the next person.
So, we might just pause (even though there’s stuff to do) and think about what we’re missing out on in this goal rush. And the impact of that.
In being fully present with the process we may notice how we feel about our effort. Joyfully expended or accompanied by gritted teeth? Quality, we know, flows when we’re heartfully engaged, whatever we’re doing.
Relationships grow, deepen, flourish in the working out. If we bring enough attention and presence the conversation becomes truly generative. The outcomes surprising and beyond expectation. Sure, there’s the thrill of completion, but it is momentary and we’re probably onto the next thing without a backward glance.
The preceding conversations are the real gold. For all involved. In attending to the journey, and the goal, we gather learning from each interaction. Developing solutions is rarely linear. The more vexing the challenge the more switchbacks are needed.
And yet, new knowledge is acquired, new ways of doing things. Much of this gets lost if it is just about the result. Meanwhile, conscious iteration further deepens relationship and resilience.
If we want to really unlock the value of collaboration in service of a better organisational culture, better business, and better world let’s give as much attention to the journey as we do to the destination.
Happy, deeply engaged travelling.