This post uses a relationship metaphor to challenge teams to examine their real commitment to their V/TO™. It walks through the stages from creating it, to using it, to truly living it. It explains why Vision without Traction is just dreaming, and Traction without Vision is just being busy. And it offers practical ways to check alignment and move from casual use to real commitment.
Every Valentine's Day, couples face a moment of truth. Are we really in this together, or are we just going through the motions? The flowers, the dinner reservations, the obligatory "I love you"...these gestures mean nothing if there's no genuine commitment underneath.
Your leadership team faces the same question about your Vision/Traction Organizer.
You've done the work: crafted your core values, defined your 10-year target and 3-year picture, articulated your marketing strategy. The V/TO™ sits in your conference room and gets referenced in Level 10 meetings, maybe even lives in a shared drive everyone can access. Here's the real question: is your team truly in love with it, or are you still in the casual dating phase?
The relationship stages with your V/TO™
Think about how relationships evolve. There's the exciting first-date energy, then the getting-to-know-you phase, and eventually deep, sustainable commitment. Your relationship with the V/TO™ follows the same arc.
Here's the thing most teams forget: the V/TO™ isn't just your Vision, it's Vision AND Traction. The Traction page is what makes your Vision possible. Vision without Traction? You're just dreaming. Traction without Vision? You're just busy.
The first date (creating the V/TO™)
Everything feels new and exciting. You're in a vision building session, ideas are flowing, your core values emerge and they feel perfect. Your 10-year target is ambitious and inspiring, you’re feeling so energized… Well this is the honeymoon phase.
The getting-to-know-you phase (first 90 days)
Reality sets in. You're learning how to actually use this thing and some of it feels awkward. Do we really reference core values in every meeting? Does every decision need to connect to the 10-year target, 3-year picture and 1-year plan, Rocks? You're figuring out the rhythm, learning each other's language.
The commitment phase (what we're aiming for)
The V/TO™ becomes second nature. It's not something you think about, it's how you think. Decisions feel easier because your values do the filtering. Your 10-year target isn't just a number on a wall but it's the gravitational pull that keeps everything aligned.
Most teams get stuck between phase two and three. They've moved past the initial excitement, but haven't quite committed. And that's okay, as long as you recognize it and choose to move forward.
The check-in: Four questions to assess your relationship
Instead of a harsh audit, think of this as a relationship check-in. Ask yourself these four questions honestly, not as a test to pass, but as a reality check.
Can we finish each other's sentences?
Can every leadership team member articulate your core values and 10-year target without looking? If not, no judgment: just recognize that familiarity comes first. Start building that muscle memory.
Do we turn to each other in tough times?
When pressure hits, do you lean into your V/TO™ or away from it? The strongest relationships are the ones that get stronger under stress. Your V/TO™ should be your anchor in storms, not something you abandon when things get choppy.
Are we growing together?
Is your 10-year target pulling you forward? Do your core values challenge you to be better? A healthy relationship evolves. If your V/TO™ feels lifeless, maybe it needs refreshing, or maybe you need to re-engage with why you created it.
Are we showing up, or just making promises?
Here's the one most teams skip. Take your Rocks, your 1-year plan, and your 3-year picture and put them side by side. Does what you've committed to in the next 90 days actually connect to your 3-year picture and overall Vision? If your Rocks are pulling in a different direction than your Vision, you're in a relationship where you say one thing but do another.Pro tip: At your next quarterly, lay your Rocks, 1-year plan, and 3-year picture next to each other. Go line by line: does each Rock move you closer to the 1-year plan? Does your 1-year plan build toward the 3-year picture? This simple exercise reveals misalignment fast and gives you the chance to fix it before the quarter starts.
When the spark fades: reigniting your commitment
Even the best relationships hit rough patches. If you're feeling distant from your V/TO™, here's how to reconnect.
Revisit the origin story
Why did you choose these specific core values? What were you trying to create? Sometimes we forget the emotional connection that started it all. Use your next quarterly to tell those stories again.
Get curious, not critical
If you notice misalignment, approach it with curiosity. Say something like: "We committed to growing 20% this year, but our Rocks are mostly focused on internal operations. Are we aligned on what matters most this quarter?" Not as an accusation, but as genuine curiosity.
Have the hard conversations
If a team member consistently acts outside your core values, address it. But approach it as protecting something you care about, not punishing someone you're frustrated with.
"We value transparency, and I've noticed information getting held back. Help me understand what's happening." Lead with curiosity and care. Sometimes people don't realize they're out of alignment, and sometimes they need support to get there.
The happily ever after
The V/TO™ isn't just a document, it's a promise you make to each other about the kind of company you're building and the kind of leaders you're becoming.
The difference between teams that get traction and teams that stay stuck isn't talent or market conditions or luck, it's commitment.
So here's the real Valentine's question: Are you ready to fully commit to your V/TO™?
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your V/TO™. May it be a long and fruitful relationship.
