Leadership Series: Vision

Just a few weeks after birth, a newborn baby can only see between 8 and 15 inches from his/her face; and, not until about 8 months can he/she recognize a person across the room.

Would you let someone with that type of vision drive a car? — No way. Reaction time is limited to almost nothing and it would be completely dangerous.

Likewise, visionary leadership is essential for the success–and safety–of any company. Business Dictionary defines vision well:

“An aspirational description of what an organization would like to achieve or accomplish in the mid-term or long-term future. It is intended to serves as a clear guide for choosing current and future courses of action.” In many cases a company’s vision is summarized in a mission statement. Here are a few examples of some well-known companies’ mission statements:

• Special Olympics: To transform communities by inspiring
  people throughout the world to open their minds, accept and
  include people with intellectual disabilities and thereby anyone who
  is perceived as different.
• Google: To organize the world’s information and make it
  universally accessible and useful.
• Walt Disney Co.: We create happiness by providing the finest in
  entertainment for people of all ages, everywhere.
• Boy Scouts of America: To prepare every eligible youth in
  America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader
  who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.
• Hilton Worldwide: To fill the earth with the light and warmth
  of hospitality.
• Ikea: Affordable solutions for better living.

So, what’s your vision for your organization?

Take some time to either create, organize, refine or resurrect your company’s vision, in order to provide a clear sense of direction for you and your employees. This will help to root everyone in a common cause, and enable leadership to perceive twists, turns and obstacles in the road. And yes, see further ahead than 8 to 15 inches.

Finally, some parting wisdom from John Maxwell:

“Good leaders must communicate vision clearly, creatively, and continually. However, the vision doesn’t come alive until the leader models it.”