In the previous segments of our Visioning Tips series, you took a look at (1) "priming the pump" with some exploratory dialogue, (2) the importance of allowing time for reflection in order to invite your deeper insights into the process, and (3) creating a visual anchor to help sustain you as you're bringing your vision to life. In this next segment, we'll identify the key themes emerging from your work to date. Need to catch up? Start from the beginning of the Ivy Sea Visioning Series.

Identifying your emerging themes

The purpose (and benefit) of the dialogue, reflection and collage work you've done so far is to begin sifting through the chatter to identify the core themes and issues that will frame the rest of your visioning program. Without identifying your key themes, you'll be less aware of the barriers between you and your ideal vision of what's possible. What's more, you'll not have identified those primary beams or cornerstones that will shore up your vision. Whenever you need clarity on your vision, you can go right to the key themes; whenever you face a roadblock, you can take a close look at your progress regarding the barriers you'll define here.

To identify your key themes:

— Review your notes, journal and feedback from your visioning program guide (if you're working with an independent facilitator or peer-collaborator for your visioning process).

— Take a close look at the collage you created that formed an early visual representation for your ideal vision.

— Ask yourself these questions and note the first thoughts that come into your mind regarding each (in other words, don't mentally edit your initial impressions). Jot down your answers in your notebook or share them with your visioning guide.

• What themes are you beginning to notice as your review your notes and collage?

• What is missing from your notes and the collage? Come up with no fewer than five things (even if you have to reach for them).

• As you review your work so far, where are you noticing your own resistance? Identify no fewer than three responses (again, even if you have to reach for them).

• As you review your responses to the first two questions, envision an umbrella that these initial key themes fall under. What word or phrase would make a good label for this umbrella?

Check back next month for the next tip in our Inspired-Visioning series.

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...

Visioning Tip #1 — Prime the Pump: Loosen up with some "get-started" dialogue

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

Visioning Tip #3 — Activate Your Senses: Get your brain storming with creativity

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.