Consider a world without vision (or sight). How would you feel? Fearful? Confused? Reticent? Confined?

Of course you would – and the same is true for a business without vision. In an organization without a clearly expressed and clearly understood vision, it is only natural that team members fall short of expectations. They are operating, if you will, in the dark.

ARTICULATE YOUR VISION

In the wake of a severe economic downturn some years ago, many of our client companies struggled with “vision.” After struggling to meet short-term goals and adjusting to market changes and shareholder pressures, some lost their focus. They lost their vision.

Vision is fundamental to excellent leadership. Strong leaders can clearly articulate their vision for their team, for their company, and then, consistently repeat and clarify that vision until everyone “gets it.” The most successful leaders not only create a “shared vision,” but they also model how to use that “vision,” looking beyond what appear to be pressing problems, to keep their eyes – and the eyes of their team — on the prize.

“A great vision is inspiring. It gets everyone excited to come to work.”

For this reason alone, as a leader, you have the responsibility to lift the fog, reduce blurriness, and paint a compelling picture of your organization going forward. The same holds true if you are a leader in your field, or lead a project or task force.

COMMUNICATE

Make this the year you take control of your own vision. Look ahead. See into the future. Articulate your vision, share your vision, and then, implement a strategy to reach your compelling vision.

Note that your vision must also be strategically sound. After all, you have to have a reasonable shot at getting there. Thomas Edson wittingly stated, “Vision without execution is hallucination.”

IMPLEMENT

And be sure to include others in the process. Your goal is to create a “shared” vision around which everyone on the team can rally. Complete the visioning process, and you’ll have a clearly articulated end for your organization—something that won’t change every time the market or your mood shifts.


Paulette Ashlin’s book, Leading: The Way – Behaviors that Drive Success outlines the importance of responding to, changing, and improving your behavior to become the best leader you can be.  Find out more at www.ashlinassociates.com