Lead With Vision
Lead With Vision
Having vision is having a distinct mental picture of what success looks like. As in Stephen R. Covey’s 2nd habit from his #1 national bestselling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, it is having a clear understanding of your destination. It is having a successful end in mind.
In conjunction with having vision, influence is the ability to pull people into your vision. It is communicating your vision in a way that attracts people to your cause like a magnet. Through your sense of purpose, belief, passion and enthusiasm, you get others excited and pull them into your vision.
In contrast, when people and organizations lack vision, they lack purpose and enthusiasm. They often compensate for its absence in dysfunctional ways. They let the urgent supersede the important. They operate with little intentionally. They immerse themselves in tactical execution with little regard to the level of value being created.
Not that a focus on tactical execution is inherently wrong, but without a guiding vision, execution can become “busyness” instead of “business”. As in target shooting, as the target gets further away and fades into the distance, the aiming is less precise and the results no longer hit the mark.
Phillips Brooks, a nineteenth century author said “Very strange is this quality of our human nature which decrees that unless we feel a future before us we do not live completely in the present.”
Organizations lacking a clear vision are like people going on a vacation without a map or an intended destination. They drive and drive, finding a few spots of interest along the way, but never getting very excited or focused on the destination given they don’t know where they are going.
Organizations without clarity of vision and purpose become focused on goals, typically financial ones, often to the exclusion of longer term objectives. Goals become hollow numbers without any meaning or purpose. Strategies become less about innovative and intentional activities and more about reactive tasks. Whatever pops up often takes the place of initiatives that produce long term sustainable success. If there is a purpose, it is simply to “make the numbers” which is about as clear as “drive the car, drive the car.”
If you are in a position of influence and want to lead your organization to peak levels of performance, cultivate a purpose. Make clear the reason for your organization’s existence and the unique contributions your organization provides. Paint a clear vision. Describe the future that you and the team collectively aspire to create and achieve. Let others know their role and the value of their contribution. Generate enthusiasm and emotion. Connect with their inner desires. Articulate the guideposts that will define your journey. Present symbols and stories that appeal to their hearts as much as their minds.
These practices will go a long way to improving employee buy-in, morale and teamwork. They too will improve tactical operational efficiency and decision making all leading to long term sustainable performance gains – that start now.
Copyright © 2008 Alpine Link Corporation, www.alpinelink.com. All rights reserved.
Lead With Vision - To learn more about this author, visit Mike Hawkins's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
What do you want to achieve? Where are you going? Having a vision – a strong sense of where you are going and how you will get there - is an essential building block to achievement and influencing others.
Having vision is having a distinct mental picture of what success looks like. As in Stephen R. Covey’s 2nd habit from his #1 national bestselling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, it is having a clear understanding of your destination. It is having a successful end in mind.
In conjunction with having vision, influence is the ability to pull people into your vision. It is communicating your vision in a way that attracts people to your cause like a magnet. Through your sense of purpose, belief, passion and enthusiasm, you get others excited and pull them into your vision.
In contrast, when people and organizations lack vision, they lack purpose and enthusiasm. They often compensate for its absence in dysfunctional ways. They let the urgent supersede the important. They operate with little intentionally. They immerse themselves in tactical execution with little regard to the level of value being created.
Not that a focus on tactical execution is inherently wrong, but without a guiding vision, execution can become “busyness” instead of “business”. As in target shooting, as the target gets further away and fades into the distance, the aiming is less precise and the results no longer hit the mark.
Phillips Brooks, a nineteenth century author said “Very strange is this quality of our human nature which decrees that unless we feel a future before us we do not live completely in the present.”
Organizations lacking a clear vision are like people going on a vacation without a map or an intended destination. They drive and drive, finding a few spots of interest along the way, but never getting very excited or focused on the destination given they don’t know where they are going.
Organizations without clarity of vision and purpose become focused on goals, typically financial ones, often to the exclusion of longer term objectives. Goals become hollow numbers without any meaning or purpose. Strategies become less about innovative and intentional activities and more about reactive tasks. Whatever pops up often takes the place of initiatives that produce long term sustainable success. If there is a purpose, it is simply to “make the numbers” which is about as clear as “drive the car, drive the car.”
If you are in a position of influence and want to lead your organization to peak levels of performance, cultivate a purpose. Make clear the reason for your organization’s existence and the unique contributions your organization provides. Paint a clear vision. Describe the future that you and the team collectively aspire to create and achieve. Let others know their role and the value of their contribution. Generate enthusiasm and emotion. Connect with their inner desires. Articulate the guideposts that will define your journey. Present symbols and stories that appeal to their hearts as much as their minds.
These practices will go a long way to improving employee buy-in, morale and teamwork. They too will improve tactical operational efficiency and decision making all leading to long term sustainable performance gains – that start now.
Copyright © 2008 Alpine Link Corporation, www.alpinelink.com. All rights reserved.
Lead With Vision - To learn more about this author, visit Mike Hawkins's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
| |||
 |
No article feedback found. | ||
|
Leave Your Feedback | ||
|
|||
 It's Results That Define Leadership
| |||
| Think about the great leaders of history. The reason we consider them leaders is because their efforts had measurable results. Who do you remember who had the traits of leadership without the results? |
|||
|
Does Economic Recession mean Career Vision Recession?
| |||
| In my conversations with individuals over the last several months a common theme has occurred. Many have said, “In light of the economic times, I need to put my own Career Vision on hold.” Does Economic Recession ... |
|||
|
PRICE OF LEADERSHIP
| |||
| We all know that the world is starving for individuals who are prepared to step up and lead us. Men and women who are capable of rising above the mediocrity and narrow mindedness that seems so pervasive in the world... |
|||
|
Lesson #5: Create a Vision and Stick To It
| |||
 “There is a powerful, driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream or desire a reality,” says Robbins. “I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to ... |
|||
|
How a Vision Statement Can Influence Your Business Success
| |||
| Summary: Many people tend to negate the value of a vision statement for a business. But a vision statement is important for success of a business as it provides a sense of direction on where you want your business t... |
|||
| |||
Jay Kubassek(Jay's Full Bio: EvanCarmichael.com/jaykubassek) Jay Kubassek is a Canadian born entrepreneur, internet marketing genius, professional speaker, international real estate developer/investor, executive film producer, extreme sport enthusiast and a passionate supporter of several charities worldwide. In 2007, Jay's vision and dedication to help other entrepreneurs and business owners duplicate his marketing success led to the creation of his fourth company CarbonCopyPRO, an internet marketing firm already worth over 15 million dollars that has over 20 employees and contract workers with clients is 12 different countries. Jay resides in NYC with his girlfriend Jamie, three year old son Milo and dog Cooper. As executive producer he recently premiered his first film in the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. As an adventurist he is racing the 2008 Baja 1000 off-road race and is a member of the 2008 U.S. National Elephant Polo Team, The New York Blue who will be representing the US in the 2008 World Championships in Nepal. Visit Jay's Blog: www.JayKubassek.com - Visit Jay Kubassek's Website |
|||
Michel NerayMichel Neray has over 25 years of experience as an award-winning copywriter, an Internet pioneer, a tradeshow pitchman and a senior sales and marketing executive. An online pioneer, he was one of the first marketing professionals to embrace the Internet by building websites as early as 1993. In 1994, Michel co-authored a book entitled "The Great Crossover: Personal Confidence in the Age of the Microchip", which made it to Jack Canfield's Achiever's Recommended Reading List. Michel founded Portfolios.com in 1995, the world's first online source directory for creative professionals and one of the first websites based on community generated content. Since creating The Essential Message in 2003, Michel has helped thousands of independent professionals and entrepreneurs as well as growing corporations find a better way to differentiate, position and brand themselves. In 2005, his chapter "Everything Starts With A Conversation" was selected as the lead for the book, "Sales Gurus Speak Out" and re-published in 2008 for 'Awakening The Workplace Volume 3'. He is also a co-author of "In the Company of Leaders" (2008) with 40 top North American leadership experts. - Visit Michel Neray's Website |
|||
Staging DivaDebra Gould, aka The Staging Diva®, is President of Six Elements Inc., an internationally recognized home staging company. Inspired by many requests from aspiring home stagers wanting to start similar businesses, Gould created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. Gould has trained over 1000 Staging Diva Graduates worldwide to start staging businesses. Buying decorating and selling six of her own homes in four years lead to an interest in real estate staging which she turned into a career with the launch of sixelements.com in 2002. Since then she has staged hundreds of homes in addition to teaching home staging training. Gould is the author of several home staging resources including a series of popular ebooks made up of a Design Guide, Color Guide and Portfolio Guide. For more information about Debra Gould visit stagingdiva.com. - Visit Staging Diva's Website |
|||
|
To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us. | |||
 | |
 Mike Hawkins (Visit Mike's Website) MIKE HAWKINS is president and principal of Alpine Link Corporation. Mike consults, trains, coaches and leads companies and individuals to their peak potential. He is a respected author, adjunct professor and thought leader on self-improvement, leadership, business planning, and consultative selling. Prior to Alpine Link Corp., Mike Hawkins had the distinction of having direct hands-on experience throughout all the primary activities in the enterprise value chain. He excelled as an engineer in product development with Halliburton. He was a successful salesman and marketing executive with IBM. He worked as global general manager for Scient, a fast growing e-Business Systems Innovator, and held the position of executive vice-president for LogicaCMG, a global consulting and IT solution provider. He has worked in multiple industries including management consulting, information technology, financial services, manufacturing, construction, telecommunications and utilities. See www .activatingyourambition.com for information on Mike's latest book, or www.alpinelink.com/Mike_Hawkin s_Biography.asp for Mike's full biography. Mike can be reached at mike@alp inelink.com.
|  |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
| Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media |
|
|
 |
| Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details. |
 |
 | ||
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
|
| ||
|
|
|
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
|
|
|
 |
 Employee Engagment Find It. Use It. How To Select Keywords Business Building Check List Mirror Marketing |
|
 | ||
 |
Guide To ERP Software
Business Management Software | |
 |
Top 50 Diversion Blogs
Top Diversion Blogs of 2008 | |
| ||
 |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
||||||||||||
