I describe intention as what you desire to create or make happen. For more information on intention, read The Life We are Given by George Leonard and Michael Murphy. Leonard and Murphy use the term "affirmation" to describe creating the outcomes you intend. Forgive for Good by Dr. Fred Luskin provides another take on intention. Dr. Luskin uses positive intention to connect us to our original goal or desire to help release ourselves from unproductive grievances.
When creating an important intention it is more powerful to:
- State it in the present tense (even if you are not there yet)
- Describe your intention positively
The problem with "Don't be evil" or any intention stated in the negative, is that it doesn't describe the behavior you want or expect. I want to know what positive actions are desired. To make this more powerful (by powerful I mean the degree to which it can inspire the desired outcome) tell people what you intend or expect:
"We treat people well"
"We take actions that create good in the world."
"We do what is best for the world, our company and our people."
Even in our daily interactions we can hold positive intentions. It is the difference between saying, "I don't bully people" v. declaring, "I create collaborative relationships with shared power." I also like positive intentions because they describe that to which we are committed. And that makes us more accountable - which is just good stuff.
Do well, be powerful and do good.
Posts
