Why is Vision Such a "Powerful Engine?"
In his famous book, "Visionary Leadership," Burt Nanus said about Vision: "There is no more powerful engine driving an organization toward excellence and long-range success." I believe that is true. If you are searching for the secret to success, and don't share a vision of the future that is attractive, worthwhile and achievable, you probably won't find the secret. Said another way, if you don't know where you're going, you probably won't get there.
The process of building a vision of the future is more than just dreaming. It is a logical process, and it's not easy for most of us. It means searching the soul of your organization, deciding what is good and what will not serve you well in the struggle ahead. Before you can vizualise the future you must have a clear picture of what you are today. For many leaders that is the hardest part of the process. Some bring in an outsider at this point, to make sure that their judgements are not clouded by their experiences.
A vision of the future is more than just setting goals. A vision suggests your goals. It defines your strategy. It motivates every person in your organization by showing each of them what they're working for, and what that work will do for them. It helps you set policies and define procedures by defining what's important in your business. Your vision of the future helps you use the competencies of your people, and suggests skills and talents you don't have but must get. It describes the customers and clientele you will serve, and it shows why they will want to buy into your organization as users of your products and services. It entices investors and supporters to want to be part of your vision. Your vision of the future tells the story of your business.
What could be a more powerful tool for you?
The process of building a vision of the future is more than just dreaming. It is a logical process, and it's not easy for most of us. It means searching the soul of your organization, deciding what is good and what will not serve you well in the struggle ahead. Before you can vizualise the future you must have a clear picture of what you are today. For many leaders that is the hardest part of the process. Some bring in an outsider at this point, to make sure that their judgements are not clouded by their experiences.
A vision of the future is more than just setting goals. A vision suggests your goals. It defines your strategy. It motivates every person in your organization by showing each of them what they're working for, and what that work will do for them. It helps you set policies and define procedures by defining what's important in your business. Your vision of the future helps you use the competencies of your people, and suggests skills and talents you don't have but must get. It describes the customers and clientele you will serve, and it shows why they will want to buy into your organization as users of your products and services. It entices investors and supporters to want to be part of your vision. Your vision of the future tells the story of your business.
What could be a more powerful tool for you?
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