I attended a conference yesterday for work. It was an amazing day filled with encouragement to lead our coworkers by setting the example of excellence. I found the last session particularly interesting. An excellent speaker presented a process for effective communication. She gave examples using the process and explained that employees would not really buy in to its use until they experienced success and understood its benefits. She gave a model for change that so describes what I have experienced in my own life.

Believe – Decide – Act – Results – Understanding (Buy in)

When we want to accomplish a goal, we must first believe that we can do it. However, believing is not enough. We must decide we are going to take the first step to make it happen. Making the decision to do something is of no use to us unless we assert the action. Action brings results. There is something empowering about seeing desired results. At this point, we understand the benefits of working to accomplish our initial goal. What happens when we realize this success? We have the confidence to believe we can take the next, more challenging step. Then, one step at a time, we see our dreams come true.