Ebook: Never by Chance: Aligning People and Strategy Through Intentional Leadership

I guess my head has been in the strategic clouds because I couldn't put this book down! This is a short page-turner chock full of stories and personal experience to align your people to the company strategy--and getting measurable results.

As a professional meeting facilitator, I particularly enjoyed their conversation on "Events as Strategy." Their thinking is that every event should advance the corporate strategy and be outcome driven. When you design around outcomes, the agenda shifts, expectations rise, and the event is much more productive.

Kris Young shares this story, which serves all of us well in the team environment:

"I have had the opportunity to contribute to extremely successful events in which everyone on the planning team clearly comprehended the vision and intended outcome. All partners (executives, meeting planners, the production company, outside speakers) were included in strategy and communication planning discussions from the beginning. Everyone on the team could answer the question, 'What's the point?' When working with a focused team like this, creative ideas flow and are on target, and conversations don't go in circles. Every idea is clearly focused on one specific goal. Every decision is aligned to a specific outcome. Planned messages are clear, and every part of the event is aligned to these messages. All elements--such as executive presentations, videos, outside speakers, set designs, presentation graphics, the look of the room, even entertainment options--are meant to create an experience that will deliver the company's intended result. Working as part of a team like this and producing a truly successful event is incredibly satisfying and fulfilling work."

I love this question: "What's the point?" and firmly believe that everyone on your team should be able to answer it. Now you can see why I devoured this book--and you will, too!