Abundance Mindset is Key to Strategy

In the US, the Thanksgiving holiday typically launches what retailers often term the “season of giving.”

A secular holiday, Thanksgiving transcends boundaries, both real and affected. It calls us together and demands attention to gratitude, connection, and common ground. Things that are increasingly rare in our persistently divided world.

Perhaps this explains why I was drawn to the cornucopia when choosing an image for today’s article.

Thanksgiving is often represented by a cornucopia. A horn-shaped receptacle overflowing with autumn fruits and vegetables, the cornucopia conveys abundance. A horn of plenty.

For me, the image captures the essence of maintaining a mindset of abundance. First coined by Stephen Covey, abundance mindset is the belief that there is plenty to go around and the key to success is actively creating win-win situations.

For leaders, an abundance mindset opens a world of possibilities. It focuses on the opportunities found in the situation rather than on its limitations. This perspective can transform “wishful thinking” about what could be into actions that move ideas and aspirations forward both in the moment and for the future.

Connection and people are at the heart of good strategy execution – as I noted here. Common ground – like a shared purpose – can be a bridge that enables diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas to flourish in a practical way. An abundance mindset creates space for all three: connection, people, and common ground.

Furthermore, an abundance mindset not only encourages collaboration, but also it thrives on it. This makes it easier to overcome barriers. Fewer barriers accelerate progress to achieve objectives.

To be clear: I am neither na?ve nor Pollyanna. There are people in our communities and around the world who are truly suffering. The concept of a “horn of plenty” in that sense borders on the absurd. Yet I firmly believe that the more leaders – in business, policy, diplomacy, and community – embrace an abundance mindset, the more cooperative, inclusive, and equitable our world becomes.

Giving – and an abundance mindset – needs no season. Instead, put abundance at the front of strategic thinking and allow it to guide decisions and actions.

• What opportunities arise from this (insert adjective: good, bad, remarkable, uncertain) situation?
• How might you capitalize on what is in order to create the business and world you want or need?
• In what ways will you embrace the win-win solution?

An abundance mindset is not na?ve. It’s potentially transformative. And it may be just the gift your people and business need to achieve objectives.

An abundance mindset is key to strategy.

The executives I advise routinely make their strategies work better. I can help you too.

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?2024 Tara J Rethore.?All rights reserved.?Permission granted to excerpt or reprint with attribution.