One Word: The Power of Simplicity
I just finished reading One Word by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page—and I have to say, I’m hooked. It’s a quick read (seriously, you can finish it in a single sitting), but the impact it leaves is anything but small.
It’s one of those books that makes you pause and go, “Why haven’t we all been doing this?” Simple, powerful, and meaningful. I immediately started thinking about all the ways it could help not just individuals—but teams, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, cities, counties, and businesses—get more aligned and intentional about the year ahead.
Here’s the concept in a nutshell: instead of setting a long list of resolutions that usually fizzle out by February, you choose one word to guide you. One word that captures who you want to be, how you want to show up, or what you want to build. Just one word that becomes your personal or organizational North Star.
And let me tell you—there’s something that is really freeing about that kind of focus.
Why One Word Works
We live in a world of constant noise and distraction. Everyone’s multitasking, juggling responsibilities, and responding to dings, pings, and deadlines. In the middle of all that chaos, One Word gives us clarity.
It isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more intentional.
For individuals, your word becomes an anchor. For teams, it’s something to rally around. For organizations, it becomes a lens to filter decisions through. It creates alignment, motivation, and a shared sense of purpose.
And the best part? It’s simple enough that anyone can do it.
For Individuals:
When you choose your word, it’s not about a to-do list—it’s about a “to-be” list. It’s about identity, not activity.
Maybe your word is “Present”—because you want to stop rushing through life and start actually living in the moments that matter. Maybe it’s “Courage” because fear has been taking up too much space. Or maybe it’s “Joy” because you’re ready to rediscover what lights you up.
Once you find your word, it shows up everywhere—your mindset, your journal, your conversations, even your calendar. It helps you pause and ask, “Does this reflect the person I want to become?”
Tip: Put your word where you’ll see it daily—on a sticky note, screensaver, or even a bracelet. Visual reminders help reinforce your focus.
For Teams:
Now imagine a group of people choosing a shared word together. A team of staff, a board of directors, or a leadership cohort—all aligning around one word that sets the tone for the year.
Words like “Unite,” “Grow,” “Serve,” “Build,” or “Empower” can completely shift how a team functions. It becomes a centering theme in meetings, a reference point for decisions, and a heartbeat for the culture you’re creating.
Facilitator’s Tip: Host a word workshop with your team. Have each person bring one or two words they feel reflect the vision for the year. Discuss, narrow it down together, and then celebrate the final word by posting it in your workspace or creating a visual display. Make it meaningful and fun.
For Organizations:
Choosing One Word as a Chamber, nonprofit, city, or business creates cultural alignment in a way that’s both clear and compelling.
A Chamber might choose “Thrive.” Suddenly, you’re asking: Are we helping our members thrive? Are we thriving as an organization?
A nonprofit might choose “Dignity.” That word would shape how they deliver services, train volunteers, and even write grant proposals.
A city could choose “Welcome.” That could guide decisions around signage, economic development, events, and how new residents are integrated into the community.
One word can serve as a filter, a mission enhancer, and a unifying message. It can be the centerpiece of your strategic plan or the theme of your staff retreat. It reminds everyone what really matters—and it sticks.
Starfish Style Strategy: Try incorporating your One Word into your annual retreat, strategic plan, or even your social media content. Let the community see your commitment to living it out.
How to Choose Your Word
Whether you’re choosing your own word or guiding a group through it, here’s the simple process shared in the book:
Look Inward
Look Up
Listen Up
Write down a few. Speak them out loud. Ask yourself: Which one excites me? Which one scares me a little—in a good way? That’s often the one.
My Experience
As someone who coaches and trains teams, chambers, and organizations, I cannot wait to use this concept with teams. I believe it will create real momentum.
Personally, even before reading the book, I choose the word “Focus” this year. My meaning behind this was to have “focus” no matter where I am or what I’m working on - being fully present and focused on that moment.
I am excited to offer One Word retreat facilitations to teams and boards in the future, where One Word becomes the centerpiece of the Strategic and Annual Plan.
It's not about perfection. It’s about direction.
Bringing Your Word to Life
Here’s how you (or your organization) can use your word throughout the year:
Share it in a kickoff meeting or email to your staff or members
Display it on your website, office walls, or newsletters
Revisit it each month or quarter to reflect on progress
Invite others to share stories of how it’s shown up in their work or life
Celebrate it with a theme day, t-shirts, or staff shout-outs
Because one word doesn’t just create alignment—it builds culture. And culture shapes outcomes and productivity.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a complicated plan to make a difference.
You just need a word to focus on to get you started.
One that reminds you who you are, what you value, and where you're headed. One that gives your days—and your organization—deeper meaning.
So what’s your One Word? I’d love to hear from you!
Let it guide you. Let it shape you. And let it remind you that growth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just needs to be intentional.
If you’d like to be one of the first to participate in our new One Word team or board retreats, reach out today…the fall is filling up quickly!