WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INTENTIONAL?
I often hear friends, colleagues, and clients say: “I want to be more intentional.”
My response is usually a simple question: What does being intentional mean in practical terms?
Very few can answer it. We talk about living intentionally, leading intentionally, and communicating intentionally. But intention without a clearly defined purpose can remain just that, an intention. Being intentional requires us to translate what we intend into how we actually behave.
HOW TO TURN INTENTION TO ACTION
In 2021, our work was recognized by the USC Center EDGE as a top educational solution for helping individuals address adverse situations responsibly and confidently.
From that work, we developed the SELF-Ex™ Method, a leadership behavior framework designed to help individuals examine their behavior, navigate challenges, and respond with greater purpose. At the center of the SELF-Ex™ Method is a simple idea:
Every interaction and activity begins with ONE™ Purpose.
The ONE™ Model helps shape our mindset and behavior around the purpose or intention we are trying to achieve. Before an interaction, activity, or important decision, ask yourself three questions:
WHAT?
📝 O: OBJECTIVE: What is the objective of this interaction?
WHY?
🧭 N: NEED: Why does this matter? Why do I need it?
HOW?
⚖️: EXPECTATION: How shall I engage to support the best possible outcome?
WHAT → WHY → HOW
OBJECTIVE → NEED → EXPECTATION
That is your ONE™ Purpose.
INTENTIONALITY IS BEHAVIOR
Being intentional is not simply saying, “I intend to do this.”
It is aligning our mindset and shaping behavior with the purpose you are trying to achieve. And when emotions rise, challenges emerge, or you begin moving off course, focus on our ONE™:
- What is the objective? The purpose of the interaction.
- Why does it matter to us? The motivation behind the interaction.
- How shall I engage right now? The behavior.
A compass cannot remove the obstacles along the journey. It helps us stay focused on our direction and destination while shaping the healthy behaviors needed to get there.
The ONE™ Compass guides us in turning intentions into actions.
Set ONE™ Purpose. Ask WHAT. WHY. HOW. And WHEN
LEAD with ONE™ Purpose. Turn Intentions into Actions to Reach Your Destination.
