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'First of all, every time you begin a good work, you must pray to him most earnestly to bring it to perfection.'

- The Rule of Benedict, Prologue.

If the Widget is our purpose. 

If the Widget is our North.

And we're not beginning our meetings with an acknowledgment of the Widget.

If we're not bringing it to the forefront of our minds - 'praying' for it as the Benedictine monks are told to do before they begin their work - so that it may not just be made - but be made to perfection.

Naming it.

If we're not checking, measuring, calibrating, correcting and discipling our conversations against the Widget.

It's proof that the Widget isn't the Widget.

The Widget is something else.

And we're all just kicking opinions along the company road.

Look up from the theory of the organisation's map to the reality of your surrounding terrain.

Who is at the meeting? (And isn't?)

What are they emphasising? (And ignoring?)

What are their reference points? (And not?)

Who makes the decision?

Is one even made?

Take your bearings from these solid landmarks.

There's your True North.

There's the Widget.

Assuming you care.

Try opening each meeting with the prayer:

'Lead us to the Widget, and deliver us from our egos.

Amen'.