The Power of Vision

Shared vision is a unifying force because it:

Unleashes energy When an organization’s vision stems from the innermost values and beliefs of its people, it generates a tremendous excitement, a compelling spirit, and a powerful level of engagement.

Kindles Commitment
 Seeing the relationship between their organization’s vision and what they personally believe in and care deeply about kindles a passionate commitment.

Provides Perspective
 A vision illuminates the organization’s purpose so that all members are completely clear about what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how their work relates to what they personally believe in. Members see themselves as part of a larger whole and they see where they fit in. Day-to-day activities have more meaning because it is clear how they contribute to the greater welfare of the organization.

Supports Empowerment
 When leaders are assured that shared direction and values drive employee decisions, they are more willing to let go of control and let others assume responsibility. Leaders spend less time managing others and day-to-day crises and more time focusing on planning and big picture issues.

Sparks Creativity 
Creativity flourishes because there is more room for autonomy within the broad guidelines that a shared vision provides. Because everyone knows that they desire the same result and share the same values, they can act more independently without concern for competing self-interest.

Triggers Trust
 People work together more easily. Because they realize they are not so different from each other, they begin to trust each other’s unique contributions. The organization becomes a partnership, where each person has something to contribute in his or her own way.

Stimulates Creative Disagreement
 People can argue about ideas without fear of it leading to damaging personality conflicts and without fear of ridicule and exclusion.

Encourages Proactive Action
 Instead of passively waiting for direction, people at all levels take proactive action because they share truly responsibility for their organization’s future.

Vision: A picture of your preferred future. Can you, and your team, conceive (picture, articulate) what could your team accomplish if you came together as a unified force? What do you want to accomplish? Have you envisioned it? 

From Jesse Lyn-Stoner: Before You Decide Vision Is Passé: 8 Reasons Why Vision Matters