Wrapping up a programme with a group of women leaders in a major health organization, the leaders decided to share their action plans.

These were plans for making changes in one or two areas of leadership so they could be even more effective than they already are.

One participant began sharing her goals by stating, ‘My higher plan is……’

The phrase immediately provoked curiosity.

Her use of the word ‘higher’ elevated the plan to something especially meaningful and pertinent.

As she explained, a higher plan united the objectives she sought to achieve, with her sense of purpose.

It aligned her own passion and intrinsic motivation – her drive to enhance medical care and ensure access to these services across the market – with actions that improved her own leadership.

Why a Higher Plan?

Sometimes, all it takes to spur us to action is a small change in our thinking.

Thinking of a ‘higher plan’, rather than just a ‘plan’ is one such small change.

When asked about their plan, some people may focus on the steps they will take to get things done. That’s their driver – how to deliver it now! And that’s all they need to motivate themselves to take action.

For other people, a bigger meaning and purpose spurs them to action.

It’s important for them to connect the work to a longer-term vision or an outcome that relates to their values and sense of purpose.

And to be clear – there is no right or wrong in this, its all about knowing what drives you and your team members to action, so you can modify your communication accordingly.

How to Create a Higher Plan?

First of all, be clear on your purpose.

If you aren’t, consider how you want to create a positive impact for those around you – not just whilst you are with them, but also when you’ve moved on.

Positive impact looks different to different people.

It may be helping others see their strengths, it may relate to creating a more sustainable environment, it could involve leading with integrity – or like the leader who inspired this reflection, it could be ensuring access to excellent health care for every citizen.

Once you recognize your purpose you connect it to your plan.

An example might be:

‘I’m designing this exhibition booth to promote our vaccination tracker app – so that clients maintain an accurate, up-to-date vaccination record – and live a healthy life and so are more able to realize their full potential.’

Then the plan becomes more than just a plan – it becomes a higher plan.

Creating the Shift

In many situations where people find themselves stuck, or are procrastinating about taking a first or next step, having them connect to their higher sense of purpose creates a shift.

The purpose provides the stimulus to move forward.

The next time you – or a stakeholder is stuck – try shifting from the plan, to the higher plan.

See what happens.