Up until now, I’ve shared my journey in order—starting with the early days of ship life and all the lessons that came with it. But with this topic, I’m going to veer off course and fast-forward a few years. I may stick with this direction for a while, focusing more on leadership insights and programming ideas. Time will tell! As always, I’ll do my best to stay on point while adding a touch of humor and a few stories you can relate to.
In a few past blogs, I’ve talked about how we all communicate—but the real question is: are we communicating effectively?
One of the biggest challenges in leadership is expressing your vision with clarity. It’s not just about telling people what needs to be done—it’s about painting a picture of how you see it unfolding, how you want it executed, and what success should look like. The reality is, the way I set something up might look completely different from how you would. And when evaluation time comes—whether for a team presentation, a guest experience, or representing your department—the real question is: did you share your vision clearly enough?
If you don’t, your team will fill in the blanks with their own assumptions. That’s when you catch yourself thinking, “I should’ve explained this…” or “I wish I had clarified that…”
Here’s a story that drives the point home—and still makes us laugh today.
Three of us were contractors working with the Guest Activities team at Atlantis Paradise Island. Our task was to host a Cookie Decorating event in the foyer of one of the towers. All the supplies had been delivered, but the setup was left to us. Confident we were on the same page, we started arranging the space. About 30 minutes in—with only 30 minutes left before guests arrived—someone said, “Wait, I thought the cookies should go here.” Another jumped in, “No, I figured they’d go over there.” Meanwhile, I said, “Hold on, aren’t we planning for guests to walk this way toward the tables?”
In other words—we each had our own version of the vision, and none of us had spelled it out. With time running out, we stopped, aligned, and combined ideas into a layout that worked. Guests never knew the near-miss behind the scenes, but we knew how close we’d come to chaos. In the end, it was a success.
That’s why post-event recaps are so valuable. They capture lessons learned, sharpen decision-making, and prepare the next person to step in with confidence. Most importantly, they remind us that when time is tight, clarity is everything.
How Do You Share Your Vision Without Micromanaging?
The goal is to give your team direction and confidence while still allowing them space to lead. Here are a few practical ways to do just that:
- Start with the “why.” Help your team see the bigger picture and the purpose behind the task.
- Show, don’t just tell. Use visuals, mock-ups, or quick sketches to bring your vision to life.
- Invite questions. Encourage open dialogue so your team feels comfortable asking for clarity.
- Reference examples. Share lessons learned or highlight past successes as a guide.
- Provide a checklist. Simple, clear steps keep everyone aligned and accountable.
- Empower ownership. Give your team room to make decisions while staying within the vision.
These strategies will help your team step into leadership with confidence and stay fully aligned with your vision and goals.
Master Every Detail
Take full responsibility for every element of your event or program—from concept to execution.
Stay Inquisitive
Thoroughly review all related files, contracts, proposals, and communications to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Design with Flair
Infuse creativity and innovation into every activity. Don’t just plan—bring ideas to life.
Stay Organized
Keep precise records and maintain a methodical, detail-oriented approach throughout.
Communicate Clearly and Often
Proactively share updates and ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned.
Deliver More Than Expected
Continuously refine and enhance your work to exceed expectations and add meaningful value.
Think Ahead
Use checklists and prioritize tasks to stay focused and on schedule.
Prioritize Safety
Ensure every experience is not only fun but also safe for all participants.
Lead with Purpose
Train your team to respond quickly, act wisely, and aim for excellence in every step.
Inspire Engagement
Foster enthusiasm, encourage participation, and create memorable, enjoyable experiences.
Honor Time
Demonstrate professionalism through punctuality, preparation, and polish.
Be the Expert
Anticipate questions and be ready with answers—even for the unexpected.
To support coaching and development within your team, here’s an approach I’ve found effective when conducting evaluations in a kids’ club setting—helping team members understand your vision for how you want them to engage with the kids. While tailored for that environment, it can easily be adapted to any program and also serves as a useful reference for future performance appraisals or team reviews.
Session Effectiveness
- Were the key components of the session delivered successfully?
- If not, what adjustments could be made to improve future sessions?
Name Recognition
- Did the guide consistently use the children’s names to build rapport and engagement?
Positive Reinforcement
- Were individual children acknowledged or praised during the session?
Sensitivity and Appropriateness
- Was the session tailored to meet the developmental and emotional needs of the children?
Theme Alignment
- Did all activities and content align with the day’s theme?
Transition Management
- Did the children experience excessive downtime during transitions between activities?
Preparation and Impact
- Were any participants negatively affected due to the guide being underprepared?
Improving Communication with Children
- What strategies could the guide use to better connect with the children?
- Consider using friendly, open-ended questions such as:
- “What was your favorite part of today?”
- “Can you show me how you did that?”
- “What do you think we should do next?”
- “How did that make you feel?”
- “Who wants to be my helper?”
- Consider using friendly, open-ended questions such as:
Engagement
- Did the guide actively engage the children throughout the session?
Session Timing
- If the session did not begin on time, please provide the reason for the delay.
Use of Filler Activities
- Were any filler games or activities used?
- If so, were they appropriate for the audience, theme, and time constraints?
Personalization
- What unique elements did the guide incorporate to reflect their personal style or approach?
Performance Highlight
- (Guide’s Name) effectively executed: [insert specific element]
Coaching Opportunities
- Areas for improvement or coaching include:
Session Strength
- The strongest aspect of this session was:
Next Steps
- Follow-up actions to be completed within the next 48 hours:
Yes, sharing your vision means creating a clear roadmap for your team to follow. At the same time, you need to provide them with the tools and guidance that help them become stronger leaders and quick thinkers—so they understand your perspective for each specific activity or event.
Favorite Quote: I firmly believe that when you have a foundation of respect, love of what you’re doing, and a shared vision, so much is possible. – Kerri Walsh
Next Up: Impactful Play