Is your leadership vision worth following?
A lack of realism in the vision today costs credibility tomorrow. ~ John C. Maxwell
As a leader, it’s imperative to create a vision that can be easily understood. You see, ideas are better grasped when they’re simple. No matter how well they’re communicated, complex or confusing visions remain elusive to most people.
This is the thrust of leadership consultant Shaun Spearmon’s 2013 Forbes article “Your Company Vision: If It’s Complicated, It Shouldn’t Be.” A corporate vision must be constructed in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. As theatrical producer David Belasco once said, “If you can’t fit your idea on the back of a business card, you don’t have a clear idea.” Leaders need to begin with a simple and memorable vision so it can meaningfully take root in people’s minds.
Leaders must communicate this vision to their people. A great idea that remains a secret is as useless as a bad idea that everyone hears. Gather people together, and explain your vision. Ensure they understand its meaning, your reasons for it and the impact it should have on their daily roles.
As Andy Stanley emphasizes in Making Vision Stick (Zondervan, 2007), an effective vision expresses concern about a problem in the marketplace and offers a solution. Visions yield value when they solve problems or make something better. A vision implies that failure to follow it creates substantial setbacks.
Walmart offers an excellent example of vision in its slogan: “Save Money. Live Better.” The company’s vision is clear: to help as many people as possible experience a better life by saving money on things they need. It’s simple, memorable and solves a problem to which everyone can relate. Who doesn’t want a better life? Who doesn’t want to save money?
A vision cannot take hold if people fail to understand its vital role in solving the identified market problem. It cannot be separated from the organization’s planning, practices and personality. When I discuss this with my coaching clients, I encourage them to share their vision with passion and conviction. Selling a vision with this kind of impact helps ensure it will have a longer life.
What do you think? Is your leadership vision worth following? I’d love to hear from you. You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
