Do we serve with BHAG ?

I read from online the book “Built to Last” by James Collins and Jerry Porras when they coined the term big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG) which they describe as follows:

A BHAG engages people
It reaches out and grabs them in the gut. It is tangible, energizing, highly focused. People ‘get it’ right away; it takes little or no explanation.”

A BHAG should be so clear and compelling that it requires little or no explanation….
A BHAG should fall well outside the comfort zone.
A BHAG should be so bold and exciting in its own right
A BHAG should be consistent with the company’s core ideology.
A BHAGs have a long time frame.

Consider & ask questions to test BHAG:
Does is stimulate forward progress?
Does it create momentum?
Does it get people’s juices going?
Do they find it stimulating, exciting and adventurous?
Are they willing to throw their creative talents and human energies into it?

The well known American architect and urban planner wrote:

"Make no small plans;
they have no magic to stir men’s blood
and probably themselves will not be realized.
Make big plans; aim high in hope and work,
remembering that a noble, logical diagram
once recorded will not die.” – Daniel H. Burnham

The key benefit of a BHAG is the focus and change of mindset which it demands.
Incremental improvements is not sufficient if you are to achieve the BHAG.

We are forced to think differently, to work differently and to break away from that which worked in the past. A real BHAG is accompanied by a true sense of urgency.

Bold visions stimulate progress, ignite passion, focuses the mind and fires up the imagination. Big bold visions break the back of mediocrity and small mindedness.

Don’t settle. Aim high, make a dent in the universe.

These words are so well phrased for thoughts and I think all Christian leaders worth pause and ponder on them to think of our own BHAG !