The power of intention: exchange of intentions (4/6)
All Leaders Initiative's "Intent-Based Leadership" approach is based on the power of "intention". This notion makes it possible to encapsulate two dimensions essential to the action of any organization: the purpose (what is our design, our objective?) and utility (do our actions, behaviours and attitudes favour the achievement of this purpose?). In this series of six short articles, we clarify the notion of intention, what its particular attributes are, before concluding as a reminder about the conditions for the full expression of its power.
You will find:
- the 1st episode of the series "Personal involvement / Ownership"
- the 2nd "[Action-oriented](/ressources/idees/puissance-de-l-intention-2-orientee-action"
- the 3rd "Controlled"
The exchange of intentions
Rather than intention in the singular, it is appropriate with "Intent-Based Leadership" to speak of an exchange of intentions. This crossing of intentions consists of a double movement where…
- The manager… renounces giving orders and instructions… and commits to giving intentions, sharing the vision and goals of the collective mission
- And the collaborator… … renounces passively awaiting instructions … and commits to bringing intentions, in service of the common vision and goals.
This crossing is therefore also an opportunity for enrichment, in information, options, etc. Even a refusal becomes conditioned, explained and therefore "audible" to everyone.
Thus, saying "what is your intention?" is not at all the same as "come with solutions!"– it's much more open! The exchange of intentions can and must be a true dialogue, based on curiosity, questioning, and even the sharing of doubt…
In other words,
a genuine exercise of leadership since it contributes to creating and fostering the environment conducive to greater collective effectiveness…
In the next episode, we will discuss the last (but nevertheless essential…) attribute of intention: the provision of "mutual protections"…