VisionWorks' programme, The fundamentals of success
One module per week, each module lasts half a day
Contents review
Module 1 There has to be a better way
In this module we are introduced to the purpose of the course and asked to define what we hope to achieve from it. The need for a new paradigm is discussed citing the limitations of “traditional” approaches to achieving both personal and corporate success.
The module also includes a brief introduction to
the nature of perception; and how our beliefs systems are based on our past
experiences, which in turn generate our feelings. It is our feelings that
drive our behaviour.
Module 2 We are more than we think
In module 2 we learn how we develop our self-concepts and how these self-concepts affect our behaviour and attitude. We examine our freedom to choose our attitude and the importance of our attitude toward ourselves, others and events in our lives.
In the second part of this module we take the
first steps in identifying the importance of our relationships to our own
learning, growth and success. We are also provided with the basic principles
for success in our relationships.
Module 3 What went wrong?
Module 3 introduces us to two fundamental principles underlying the whole programme. The first is that all relationships meet the same stages as they evolve, at least until they get caught in one stage. Each stage is described in some detail and we are provided with the ways through each stage.
The second is the idea that we sometimes have
our own hidden agendas, which are not aligned to our conscious thoughts and
wishes. This is the first step towards accountability, a subject dealt with
in much greater detail in module 6.
Module 4 What communication?
In this module we are introduced to the different forms of communication, and shown, in particular, how little of our communication depends on the actual words we use. We are also given an insight into the different ways people receive information, depending on whether they are visual, auditory or kinaesthetic.
The majority of this module is given over to
discussion of VisionWorks’ twelve principles for effective communication.
Module
5 It’s a nightmare
The symptoms and antidotes to stress, power struggles and burnout are covered in some detail in this module. Whilst these are predictable and unavoidable stages in our development, they are given particular emphasis because of their prevalence in modern business life. The reason for this is simple; this is where so many people get stuck in their lives, without the knowledge or understanding to get through these stages.
In the latter part of this module we learn of
the destructive effects of our judgment of ourselves, others and events and
of what we can learn from these judgments
Module 6 It’s not my fault
In module 6 we are introduced to what is probably the most powerful and equally the most challenging principle in the entire programme, that of accountability.
As a problem-solving tool, acceptance of our accountability gives us the power to deal with even our most chronic problems. Accountability is not without traps, such as guilt and the temptation (sometimes) to point the finger of accountability, but if these are avoided, this single principle, applied consistently, can transform our lives.
The acceptance of our accountability naturally
leads us to the recognition of the power we have simply in the choices we
make, this is discussed in the second part of this module.
Module 7 Evolution or revolution
In this module we are provided with the framework, in which much of what we learned in earlier modules and are to learn in later modules is given greater context.
The VisionWorks business triangle maps the
stages that businesses must evolve through to achieve sustainable success.
The beauty of this model is that it is universal in its application. It is
relevant at the individual, team, department, company, country and global
levels. It also applies to our relationships.
In the second section of this module we are given definitions of emotional
intelligence (EI) and reminded of the increasing acceptance of EI as a
predictor of success. We are also provided with the basic principles of
emotional intelligence
Module 8
I’d be flying like an eagle if it wasn’t for the turkeys
In module 8 we explore group dynamics. How relationships develop within a group, the mistakes that are often made by groups facing a lack of success and how to avoid them. The patterns that arise within a group that indicate a lack of effectiveness are also highlighted and ways of addressing these introduced.
The roles we take within groups are discussed and how the roles we took in our families affect how we work now is also examined.
The last part of the module looks at the
limitations of competition and how we need to go beyond it to achieve
sustainable success.
Module 9 Great minds do not think alike
Module 9 introduces us to the concepts of projection and transference, their effect on our reactions to others and how we can learn about ourselves from these. These two principles consistently applied provide a foundation for our own development. It is important to remember that our judgments of others and of ourselves are never true.
In the second part of the module we learn about
the dynamics of conflict and how to resolve any conflict through
understanding these and applying many of the principles contained in this
programmer such as accountability and projection.
Module 10 Who’s in charge here?
In this module we define leadership and discuss how we can become the leader that we all are in potential. We are introduced to the core personalities we develop as children, why we develop them and how and why we need to go beyond these personalities if we are to take our place as leaders.
In the second section, on personal and group
effectiveness, the concept of “process” is introduced. process can be
defined as the drive towards success and fulfilment; and our awareness and
acceptance of process, allied to our willingness to be responsible for our
lives, our worlds, are keys to our effectiveness.
Module 11 Achievement and success
In module 11 we define vision, what it is, how it can be achieved and its importance to our lives. This naturally leads us to look at purpose and how we are guided to recognise our purpose through awareness of the process of our lives to date.
In the last section we discuss success and its
relationship to partnership. We examine some of the common blocks to success
and are given the opportunity to recognise some of our own blocks to
success. We finish the module by defining success for ourselves.
Module 12 Review
In this final module we review the major lessons learned during the course of the programme. We are asked to identify key learnings and to commit to doing things differently—to change. In the goals review section we apply the problem solving principles taught in the programme to any goals that have not been achieved.
In the final section, we emphasise the wisdom of asking for help and the value of self-recognition and guidance is given on how to do this. Finally, we are reminded of the overriding principle for success in business—“we get what we give.”