From This to That: How to Move from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be Using One Simple Framework
You know that moment when your team sets a big, bold vision—and then everyone stares at each other, wondering what happens next?
That’s where This or That? comes in.
It’s the follow-up session that turns vision into execution. It helps teams get real about where they are today (This) and define where they want to be (That). And by framing it in the third person—so it’s about the team, not any one person—it removes ego and opens the door to honest conversations.
Because let’s face it: too many leadership teams get stuck dreaming without doing. This or That? forces the clarity needed to move forward.
Why “This or That?” Works (And Why Every Leadership Team Needs to Use It)
Teams don’t fail because they lack vision. They fail because they don’t recognize the gap between today and tomorrow—or worse, they avoid talking about it.
This or That? is a team alignment exercise that works because:
It’s simple—just two columns: This (current reality) vs. That (desired future state).
It’s unfiltered—the third-person approach makes it safe to say what’s actually happening.
It’s actionable—once the gap is clear, leaders can prioritize the shifts that matter most.
This isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about taking stock of operations, marketing, leadership culture, and impact—then deciding, as a team, whether you’re really on track to be the company you aspire to be.
How It Works: The This or That? Exercise
Step 1: Set the Stage
After the Wouldn’t It Be Great If… vision session, gather your team and introduce This or That?. Keep it casual, but direct:
"Now that we know where we want to go, let’s be honest about where we are today."
Step 2: Fill in the "This" Column
Ask your team: Who are we today? How do we operate, communicate, lead? Encourage specificity across key areas of the business:
Overall Business Health
This company reacts to market trends.
This company struggles to retain top talent.
This company relies on outdated processes.
Financial Performance
This company chases short-term wins over long-term growth.
This company sets revenue goals but lacks a clear path to achieving them.
This company has unpredictable cash flow.
Performance Marketing
This marketing team focuses on individual campaigns rather than a holistic strategy.
This team doesn’t measure ROI effectively.
This team invests in tactics without clear objectives.
Operations & Efficiency
This team spends too much time in meetings with little progress.
This company relies on manual processes instead of automation.
This team faces bottlenecks that slow down execution.
Culture & Leadership
This leadership team avoids difficult conversations.
This company lacks diversity in decision-making.
This team prioritizes hierarchy over collaboration.
Innovation & Growth
This company talks about innovation but doesn’t invest in it.
This team plays it safe rather than taking calculated risks.
This company reacts to competitors instead of setting the standard.
Step 3: Define the “That” Column
Now, reframe it: Who do we need to be to reach our vision?
Overall Business Health
That company leads market trends, not follows them.
That company attracts and retains top talent.
That company operates with agility and innovation.
Financial Performance
That company has a clear, scalable path to revenue growth.
That company balances short-term wins with long-term strategy.
That company is financially stable with predictable cash flow.
Performance Marketing
That marketing team executes data-driven, high-impact campaigns.
That team measures ROI and optimizes in real time.
That company has a strategic, audience-first approach.
Operations & Efficiency
That team has streamlined processes that drive productivity.
That company leverages automation to reduce inefficiencies.
That team prioritizes execution over endless meetings.
Culture & Leadership
That leadership team has open, transparent communication.
That company fosters diverse perspectives and innovation.
That team collaborates across departments seamlessly.
Innovation & Growth
That company invests in R&D and innovation hubs.
That team is comfortable with calculated risks.
That company sets the industry standard, not just follows it.
Step 4: Identify the Gaps & Prioritize Action
The magic happens when you compare This and That. Where are the biggest gaps? Which shifts will create the biggest impact fastest?
Because let’s be real—most businesses don’t fail from a lack of good ideas. They fail because they never act on them.
Real Talk: A Case Study in The Power of This or That
I ran this exercise with a public university leadership team struggling to define its future. The leadership team thought they were a high-performing, forward-thinking organization. But when they filled out the This column, the truth became clear:
"We’re reactive instead of proactive. We take months to make decisions."
"We are complacent. We go through the motions because we’ve always done it this way."
"We talk about innovation, but we don’t invest in it."
When they got to the That column, the shift was undeniable:
"We’re a team that leads with vision."
"We make bold decisions quickly."
"We invest in the future, not just maintain the present."
That clarity changed everything. Within six months, they had restructured operations, defined their strategic plan, launched a new enrollment marketing strategy, and streamlined decision-making processes.
It all started with one conversation.
Your Team’s Reality Check: Are You This or That?
If your team is stuck, it’s time for brutal clarity. No fluff, no excuses. Just a simple, powerful framework to assess where you are—and where you need to go.
So ask yourself:
Are you the team that talks about growth—or the team that actually drives it?
Are you the brand that plays it safe—or the one that takes strategic risks?
Are you waiting for change—or leading it?
Because transformation doesn’t start with vision alone. It starts with action. And This or That? is where that action begins.
Next Steps: Don’t Just Read This—Try It and Tell Me How It Went
Want to experience This or That? with your team? Let’s make it happen.
Try it on your own—grab a whiteboard and start writing.
If you’re not comfortable with facilitating this type of conversation, reach out to Maestra to run this session for your team.
Commit as a team or organization to shifting from This to That.
After your workshop, DM me on Instagram @maestramethod to let me know how it went.
Change starts now. Your team’s next move is up to you.
