1. Weekly Meetings at the start of the week.
Stating what the priorities are, can lessen the strain associated with priorities. As each understands clearly what the other sees as most important, conflict can be minimized.
Communicating what needs to be done, and when, and having both on board with the vision, will create maximum success for the idea.
2. Set time blocks in a shared calendar, so you can each see what the other is working on.
This way, the Visionary can clearly see what the Doer sees as most important, and can redirect their time if the priorities are not lining up with what they see will make the idea happen.
Likewise, the Doer can proactively be working towards what it will take to make the Visionary successful as they move their idea forward.
3. Communicate the vision OVER and OVER and OVER again.
This is the job of both the Visionary and the Doer.
Once the Visionary has stated the vision, in every meeting, that vision should be reiterated by either the Visionary or the Doer. If the Doer loses sight of the vision [which can happen VERY easily amidst tasks] he or she will not be thinking of priorities in the same way the Visionary is. It’s important for the Doer to keep the vision in clear sight.
Write it on a note card, tape it to your desk or wall, tattoo it on your hand — whatever it takes to remember what the main thing is, DO THAT! Don’t lose sight of the vision. Reiterating the vision will also keep the Visionary on task with what it will take to make it happen, and will help the Doer remember why the tasks are important.
4. Celebrate successes.
Every time a goal is met, celebrate in some small way. If it is just stopping for a moment and recognizing that you have taken a step forward, do that.
When the Visionary sees progress is being made he or she will be more likely to stick with the idea instead of moving on to the next one. When the Doer sees that his or her work in the details is bringing them closer to the goal, it will make the task list seem more purposeful, and help to reiterate what the vision is.
What things have you found that help in setting priorities within your work?
