|
Imagine if you will, that you are preparing to put together one of those mega-puzzles, you know like, one with 952 pieces and just as you open the box you drop it. All the pieces fall to the floor scattering here and there and as you bend down to pick up the pieces of the puzzle, the cover of the box with the picture of the puzzle on it, falls out of your hands and is blown away by a gust of wind. All you remember is that the picture was really appealing, something painted by one of the great Masters. You stand there and think, "Should I just toss this thing or could I enjoy the challenge of putting it together without a picture to go by? How will I know how I am progressing? How will I recognize if I have made a mistake or missed an opportunity?" Over the past two decades of working with clients we have heard similar sentiments expressed about their organization’s predicament. In today’s business environment of globalization, fast changing markets, rapid growth in staff, and innovation in the development and use of technology, it becomes super-critical for everyone in the organization to have a sense of purpose and direction. Having a clear and vibrant picture of the future you and your staff will be better equipped to adapt to the changes that will occur. The Power of a Vision Throughout the history of man, the ability to create a vision, or picture, of a grand future state has been the distinguishing characteristic of great achievers. Consider our forefathers who conceived a great "...nation under God, with liberty and justice for all," to Martin Luther King, who had "a dream that one day....", and John Kennedy who envisioned "the peaceful exploration of space." Most great achievement is preceded by an inspiring picture of the future. For example, during a speech to Congress in 1961 President John Kennedy proposed committing this nation to achieving "mastery of space" in order to "win the battle between freedom and tyranny." He challenged this nation to "land a man on the Moon and return him safely to earth" and to do it by the end of the decade. On July 20, 1969, just over seven years later, Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldren walked on the surface of the moon and returned safely home. This is the power of an inspiring vision. Leadership and vision Regardless of whether you are leading a nation, a corporation or an association of volunteers, it is the leader’s role and function to:
Twenty five of the most important questions to ask when formulating a vision We find that one approach to helping our clients to develop a vision is to ask a lot of questions. The process of asking questions begins with some analysis of the current situation and then moves to the creative visioning process. Use the following twenty-five questions with your staff to gather ideas and thoughts about where you might lead your own organization in the future:
As you and your staff consider your responses you will be painting a picture of the future. As this picture develops and you gain a sharper focus on what you aspire to achieve, a vision will develop that is dynamic, vibrant and challenging. You are now ready to assemble the puzzle and create a picture of the future. Each and every member of the organization will be willing and able to commit and to aggressively pursue this vision with inspired performance. This is the power of the leader as artist. |
