In a world that’s constantly in flux, where the winds of change blow more fiercely with each passing day, it’s easy to find oneself adrift, caught in the currents of circumstance and reactive decision-making. This is a reality that not only individuals but also organizations face, navigating through the uncertainties and complexities of the modern business landscape. I’ve come to appreciate, more deeply than ever, the immense value and transformative power of intentionality in both personal and professional realms. So much so, that it has been my focus for 2024.
Intentionality, as I see it, is not just about making deliberate choices; it’s about aligning those choices with a clear vision, a purpose that goes beyond the immediate. It’s about the conscious direction of our energies and efforts towards what truly matters, about creating rather than merely reacting. This principle has been a guiding light for me and the team at VaynerSpeakers, helping us navigate through challenges and opportunities with clarity and conviction.
The essence of intentionality lies in its simplicity and its profundity. It begins with the willingness to ask hard questions: What is our actual goal? Are we doing the things that will get us there? Are we all aligned? These questions might seem obvious, but they are essential in carving out a path that is not just successful, but a path your team will want to join you on. For us, it has meant building a culture that prioritizes speed, customization, and innovation, where every speaker we represent, every event we help curate, and every interaction we have is imbued with these values.
But intentionality is not a static state; it’s a dynamic process. It requires regular reflection and recalibration, a constant evaluation of whether our actions align with our core values and goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, the immediate deadlines, and the urgent tasks. As Ryan Holiday has said, “Your inbox is a to-do list created by other people.” However, the true measure of intentionality is how well we can maintain our focus on the long-term vision amidst these pressures. It’s about making the hard choices, sometimes saying no to good opportunities because they don’t align with our greater mission. This in and of itself has led me to keep the word “No” above my door where I can see it while sitting at my desk. It’s not a reminder to be negative but to remember to use “No” as a tactic towards intentionality.
In practice, intentionality has also meant being proactive about learning and adaptation. The landscape of public speaking and thought leadership is ever-evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and audience expectations. Staying true to our mission while embracing change requires a delicate balance, one that can only be achieved through intentional decision-making. It’s about discerning which trends align with our values and vision, and how we can leverage them to enhance our impact and reach.
Moreover, intentionality extends beyond our organizational goals and into our personal development as leaders and individuals. It’s about setting intentional goals for growth, seeking out feedback, and being mindful of our own biases and limitations. It’s about leading by example, embodying the values we espouse, and creating a space where others are empowered to do the same.
The journey of embedding intentionality into the fabric of our organization has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It has not only shaped our strategy and operations but has also fostered a culture of purpose-driven action and authentic connection. As we move forward, intentionality remains our compass, guiding us through the complexities of the business world with clarity, purpose, and resilience. And I hope that by sharing this principle, others may find in it a source of inspiration and guidance, in their professional endeavors and beyond.
