Happy Tuesday, Reader!

Stay with me on this one — we’re about to talk 800-year-old stained glass. I promise it has everything to do with your business.

Some of the most famous medieval stained glass in the world can be found in Chartres Cathedral in Paris. Most of the windows were constructed over the course of 40 years and from the same type of glass, which means they have eroded in rarely-seen symmetry over time. Plus, there are famous shades of cobalt blue in those windows that do not exist anywhere else in the world. Both artists and scientists have tried and failed to replicate that famous blue.

That kind of consistency, across four decades and countless hands, doesn’t happen by accident.

Precision like that takes careful, intentional planning.

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Medieval architecture always gets me, especially detailed story depictions like those windows, because all of it happened without any of the modern technology that aids us in precision and symmetry.

Which means the only way an artist’s vision could be realized was with a detailed plan, one that could be followed by everyone involved.

If every artisan or glass worker who placed his hands on a pane of glass, over those 40-plus years, did it “his way,” this work that stood the test of centuries would not exist. Somewhere a plan was written down, designed, and redesigned, and then passed down and around until everyone touching those precious windows knew how to follow it.

When we plan, we set the stage for something impactful and enduring. We also ensure the plan’s success by integrating its design into our daily work with our teams.

A plan isn’t just about putting pen to paper, especially when we’re bringing it to life in how we produce our work. A strong plan isn’t just for the leaders, and it doesn’t sit in a dusty old file. It’s the GPS system every person on your team uses to know where they’re going.

The people who produce the work you sell (i.e., your production team) need a strong plan for three reasons:

1. To help them make decisions in the field. If your team can’t seem to make good decisions without you, they probably don’t understand what their work is for. A clear mission means producers can work independently.
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2. To motivate them to work more effectively. The best way to do something is rarely the easiest way at first. Understanding the bigger picture keeps people motivated to do their best work anyway.
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3. To bring the team together and create community magic. When everyone’s working the same plan, they are more likely to create the magic that happens in a group. Humans in community can produce incredible results. One person didn’t make the Chartres stained glass. Great work always requires a team.

A well-designed plan aligns the daily work of your team with the bigger vision of the future. It’s essential to lasting success.

This fall, as you start to align your goals for 2027 (and beyond), spend some time integrating those plans with your production team. If you need help with that, don’t hesitate to reach out.

This is our last week to book Strategic Planning Retreats for 2026. We have 4 remaining spots in late October and early November, and registration closes September 30.

If you’ve been considering working with me, book an info call to see if our retreats are a good fit.​

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Until next time,

Renia C.

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