Dialogue is an important element of your visioning program because, through conversation, you have the opportunity to collect your thoughts in a less-edited way and "dump" them into a repository of some sort. If you're working with a visioning guide or facilitator, that individual will capture the key observations and issues, and ask you questions to prompt deeper information-sharing. If you're working solo, you can be a more effective self-facilitator by creating a question list and jotting your notes in a notebook or journal for review and expansion afterward.

Whether doing personal visioning, or envisioning a business or project, you might wish to begin with these kick-off questions (with your notebook in hand and dialogue-mates in view):

—When you hear the phrase "I feel like I've found my way back home" and apply it to your business (or personal priority, or project, or particular skill, etc.), what does it conjure up for you? What initial thoughts or words come into your mind? Jot them down.

—Imagine for a moment that you're looking in on your particular situation as an outsider, an observer watching someone else. You observe all of the things, people, situations, dynamics and circumstances that have led up to this visioning session. What key messages or themes do your observations raise? What questions? What ideas?

—What is the ideal to you? What does it look like, sound like, feel like? If that ideal scene was a play, what would the actors being doing and saying? What would the stage-set look like? What would the director be requesting of the actors and crew?

—What other questions can you think to add to this list?

Ready for the next tips in our series?

Visioning Tip #2 —The Reflection Connection: What's most important?

Visioning Tip #3 — Activate Your Senses

Visioning Tip #4 — Identify Your Key Themes

In case you've missed previous tips...

We'll have ten tips in all (and, knowing us, we'll throw in a few bonus tips to tap that extra reserve of inspiration). So mark your calendar and bookmark the Series Intro page now. Don't miss these previous installments to our Visioning Tips Series:

Visioning Series Introduction — Why bother with visioning? There are a few good reasons...

Check back next month for the next tips in our series. Until then, don't forget to surf our IvySea Planning Tips to complement your visioning work.

Remember, this information is food-for-thought. The most effective approach is the one that's been tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. If you have questions, connect with someone who can provide a perspective you trust and value, or e-mail us at info@ivysea.com.