Having 11 room remodel projects under my belt, you would think I would have the visualizing skill down. But I was stumped. We had decided to have the house sided, which created an opportunity to change a little more than the siding. I had watch HGTV for hours, looked at books, drove thru neighborhoods looking for ideas…but I was stumped. I knew siding, framing the windows and adding a new entryway made sense, but I also knew it meant that one side of the house would be changed, a large deck removed…just why couldn’t I visualize a new look and feel? I put into practice, an activity we use with clients.

1. Dream big; imagine what it would look/feel like – if no barriers exist

When you’re practical and conservative by nature, it is hard to dream big in remodeling, why dream, if it is only a dream? I took my own advice and went to bed thinking what could it look like, what were the details, what feeling would I get as I walk around viewing the changes? Funny thing happened, I allowed myself to dream big.

2. Be open to ideas, different viewpoints and options

The next day – which happened to be Labor Day I was watching a remodeling show on hardscapes. I started seeing what could be, and options for how to get to the end results. These weren’t new ideas, but rather – I was really seeing what could work with our remodeling project. I was open…I was hearing and seeing possibilities and options. The big dream maybe wasn’t out of reach, or at least portions of it could be reality.

3. Start the plan and expect to adjust

Identify your options, what are top 3 areas that you’d love to see, build from a strong foundation, and be very clear how you want it to feel. This is true whether it is a remodeling project, a cultural change, or ‘upgrading your leadership skills’.

I’ve often thought leadership is a lot like remodeling, it can get ugly at times, it is often rewarding, and the sweat equity you put into your team, whether leader or team member creates a sense of pride and value and loyalty.

I know that remodeling never goes without a few surprises, so goes it for leadership – keep the visual clear in your mind, but take action that help you achieve it and never stop dreaming, acting and adjusting.