How can you develop a shared vision among team members with different priorities?

1 Assess your team's needs

The first step to developing a shared vision is to understand the needs, interests, and perspectives of your team members. You can do this by conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other methods of gathering feedback. The aim is to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your project, as well as the motivations, expectations, and concerns of your team members. This will help you to find common ground, avoid potential conflicts, and address any gaps or barriers.

2 Create a vision statement

The next step is to create a vision statement that summarizes the desired outcome of your project, and how it aligns with your team's values and mission. A vision statement should be clear, concise, inspiring, and realistic. It should answer the questions: What do we want to achieve? Why does it matter? How will we get there? You can use brainstorming, mind mapping, storytelling, or other creative techniques to generate ideas and draft your vision statement. You can also invite feedback and input from your team members to ensure that they feel included and represented.

3 Communicate your vision

The third step is to communicate your vision to your team members and other stakeholders, such as funders, partners, or beneficiaries. You can use different channels and formats, such as newsletters, social media, presentations, posters, or videos, to share your vision and explain its benefits and relevance. You can also use stories, testimonials, or examples to illustrate your vision and inspire others to join you. The key is to be consistent, transparent, and engaging, and to invite questions and feedback.

4 Align your actions

The fourth step is to align your actions with your vision, and to monitor and evaluate your progress. You can do this by setting SMART goals, objectives, and indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can also create a work plan, a budget, and a timeline that outline the roles, responsibilities, and resources of your team members. You can also use regular meetings, reports, or check-ins to track your achievements, challenges, and learnings. The aim is to ensure that your actions match your words, and that you adapt and improve as you go along.

5 Celebrate your successes

The fifth step is to celebrate your successes and acknowledge your team members' contributions. You can do this by organizing events, awards, or recognition programs that showcase your results, impact, and lessons learned. You can also use feedback, appreciation, or incentives to motivate and reward your team members for their hard work and dedication. The goal is to create a positive and supportive atmosphere, and to reinforce your vision and values.

6 Cultivate your culture

The sixth and final step is to cultivate a culture of shared vision among your team members, and to nurture their skills and relationships. You can do this by providing opportunities for learning, development, and growth, such as trainings, workshops, or mentorships. You can also encourage collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, such as by forming subgroups, networks, or alliances. The idea is to foster a sense of belonging, trust, and respect among your team members, and to empower them to become leaders and agents of change.