What is more important: the journey or destination?

I participated in a strategic planning session for a small non-profit which develops women's leadership in philanthropy and at the same is a "giving circle" in the Twin Cities….Women of Courage.  Over the course of 4+ hours, a small group of volunteer members wrestled, with the aid of a facilitator, about some of our fundamental principles, all for the worthy cause of determining our future direction and steps to develop our organization toward the next level. 

As a basis for our discussion, about 1/2 of our members had submitted their thoughts via a survey and a small planning group had framed up some external demographics and historical informaiton about Women of Courage. 

The day started with various opinions being stated and our facilitator patiently keep in on course with the "process". 

I of course had my opinions also

As the morning evolved, I was reminded of one of the most important tenets for getting the most out of a group of people:

Have patience with the process.  This is not a natural born strength for me.  I have a knack for assessing a situation, and determining where the desitnation is pretty quickly.  My observation over many years of experience leading and being part of groups is that my "assessment" is NOT always correct.   The "destinations" that I have been part of reaching which have been MOST FULFILLING, are those in which the final desitnation/result was different from ANY of the individual assessments that members of the group had assessed.  The most fulfilling results are those which have been allowed to be shaped by the "journey" and which have the imprint of all contributing members of a team. 

How many other "journeys" that we have had in our careers, or in other aspects of our lives have brought more satisfaction and fulfillment than the actual destination to which we were driving?

So, on this sunny Sunday, I am reminded that driving toward results is great.  Without our drive toward specific results, little in life would get accomplished effectively or efficiently.  However, it is the journey along the way that produces the most learning for each of us….and being flexible on the journey can improve results beyond what was ever imagined. 

Savor your journeys!