
VISION AND PURPOSE
Clearly defining and communicating a clear picture of a desired future that motivates others to take action.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Teams with sound and inspiring missions and visions are more successful. Sound missions and visions motivate and guide people on how to use their time and how to make choices. As important as the vision, mission and strategy might be, communicating and managing them is even more critical.
And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.Habakkuk 2:2
Skilled Characteristics
Vision
Communicates a compelling and inspired vision or sense of core purpose
Future
Talks beyond today – has an inspiring hope for the future
Optimistic
Talks about and is genuinely excited about possibilities – is optimistic
Milestones
Identifies mileposts (significant accomplishments toward achieving the final vision) to rally support and excitement behind the vision
Shares
Makes the vision sharable by everyone – helps everyone to feel a level of ownership of the overall vision
Inspiring
Can inspire and motivate individuals, teams and entire organizations
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”
– Proverbs 29:18
Unskilled Characteristics
Lacks Vision
Does not have a clear vision or purpose, or lacks the ability to communicate it clearly
Boring
Not a good presenter/speaker
Not Compelling
Inability to communicate in such a way as to create a compelling story that people want to be a part of
Risk Averse
Uncomfortable taking risks and starting new or challenging projects
Lacks Excitement
Isn’t charismatic or passionate enough to excite and energize others
Complex
Can’t simplify the vision or strategy enough to help people understand what needs to happen or how the vision will be accomplished
Not Collaborative
Does not work well with others – does not include others in the visioning process or in developing the strategy
Unsure
Doesn’t act like he/she really believes in the vision
Present Focused
More comfortable and focused on the here and now rather than the possibilities of the future
“Where you come from is not nearly as important as where you are going.”
– unknown
Causes of Weakness
Complex
Can’t create and communicate simple messages
Fear
Can’t face conflict, difficulties or differences of opinion
Not Adept at Change
Does not understand change and how to help people successfully change and move toward a better future
Inconsistent
Does not walk the talk – does not act according to what one says
Not Committed
Does not demonstrate a strong commitment to the vision through one’s own actions
Presentation Skills
Poor presentation skills – not interactive, excited or energetic
Long Winded
Talks too much or for too long
“The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men the conviction and the will to carry on.”
– Walter Lippman
Advice
Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.
Define the Mission/Vision
DEFINE THE VISION/MISSION: it should take less than three minutes to explain the mission and vision clearly to an audience. Really effective vision and mission statements are simple, compelling and capable of capturing people’s imagination. Mission statements should help everyone understand how to use their time. They should signal what’s mission-critical and explain what’s rewarded in the organization and what’s not. In addition, create a simple obvious symbol, visual or slogan to make the cause come alive.
How to Start
HOW TO START: Provide everyone in the team or organization with a roadmap on how they are going to be part of something grand and exciting. Establish common cause. Imagine what the change would look like if fully implemented, then describe the outcome often—how things will look in the future. Help people see how their efforts fit in by creating simple, obvious measures of achievement. Be succinct.
Manage Change
MANAGE CHANGE: Most significant vision and mission statements represent a call to change. They require that people are going to have to think, talk and act differently. For that reason, underneath the excitement will be apprehension, anxiety and fear of the unknown. People work harder and are more effective when they have a sense of choice over how they accomplish stretch goals and objectives. Invite multiple approaches, encourage experimentation, and talk with people who have successfully pulled off changes.
Walk the Talk
WALK THE TALK: Many times people listen more to what you do than to what you say. The largest reason change efforts fail is that the leader does not act in line with the new vision and mission. Words are wonderful. Actions are stronger. If you want to be credible, make sure you incorporate the new thinking and behavior into your daily routine.
Inspire
INSPIRE: Missions and visions are meant to motivate. Don’t threaten people. Don’t say this is our last chance. Don’t blame the past. Visions are optimistic, inspirational, and about possibilities. Paint a positive, ‘we can do it’ picture. You have to get people to see what you see. It is all about how to present well and motivate. Always rehearse what you are going to say. Watch yourself on video. Would you understand and be motivated?
Anticipate Reactions
ANTICIPATE REACTIONS: Anticipate what questions people might ask you. What are their objections or concerns likely to be? How will you answer them?