Vision: An Element of Leadership

Week Five Blog:  Vision an Element of Leadership

Welcome back to my blog! Today’s topic will focus on organizational visions and whether or not a vision is considered to be an element of leadership? 

When I think about a written vision and how visions are given as a blueprint for the future, I am quickly reminded that there is an old biblical scripture that says “where there is no vision, the people shall perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18).  And, the bible goes on to say “write the vision, and make it plan upon tables, that he may run that reads it, for the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry” (Habakkuk 2:2-3).  In bringing this into perspective as it pertains to leadership, these scriptures give us the foundation that we as individuals, organizations, groups, teams and councils and use to help us model our vision with a leadership focus.  So, these scriptures also tell us that whether organizational vision statements, professional vision statements or personal vision statements there are three important functions to glean: (1) those in which you lead need the vision or their efforts will fail to achieve anything of long-lasting value (2) Your vision must be written in clear, plain language so that your team of people will be able to run with its meaning and (3) a vision refers to some appointed time in the future and through it appears to be delayed in coming, it will eventually become your reality.  Visions hold up the mirror of the future and enable people to see potential.  It has to have a strong foundation in order to have a chance of future success. 

What is a Vision?

The vision is the way we see the how, the when, the where and the what.  It is the vivid description of a desired outcome that inspires, energizes and helps you to create a mental picture of your target.  While most leaders engage in several critical processes, the vision is probably the most valuable within the process.  Although shared vision is clearly a critical element of effective leadership, visionary leaders provide a glimpse into the future.  Within organizations the vision is first developed through some type of dialogue and in most cases is shared in many forms.  Communicating the vision is a key to instilling shared meaning and purpose.  Communicating regarding the vision is used to excite, inspire, motivate and unify both followers and leaders.  The communication is a two way sharing process of elevating the purpose of the vision, building relationships and shaping the culture of the organization. 

Why is Vision Critical?

The vision is critical and required in order to achieve results.  It is dependent upon communication, building relationships and developing a supporting organization culture.  According to the Leaders Direct newsletter, it is thought to be necessary for leadership because we tend to idealize leaders.  That is why we always think of the greatest leaders we can image in when we are asked to define leadership.  We typically don’t think of the front-line supervisors as prime example of what it means to lead.  Why do we place so much emphasis on the larger-than-life heroic types?  Because our concept of leadership is driven by our needs to leaders, not by what leadership really means.

Leadership does require vision which means having a complete understanding for the big picture of where the leader wants to be.  A leadership guru by the name of Stan Slap “says that the vision should be a better place that where we are today.  It should be a clearly communicable picture of the future, steeped in value, and philosophy, as well as structure.  A clear vision provides direction and established purpose”.  I find this to be a valid point of view which might even be very similar to the scriptures that I previously referred to. 

A written vision is produced by a leader to instruct and often time reveals the legacy that a particular leader wants to leave behind.  It is basically the heartbeat of the leader and it shows those that come after the current leader, an idea of the focus that was trying to be reach.  Vision statements are often time written and infused with passion which inspires others.  It is blueprint of the leaders thought process and considered to be the best possible outcome a project or goal.   When we become familiar with what is possible, we begin to realize that dreams can be achieved and challenges can be overcome and most of all problems can be solved.  A vision puts words to a leader’s passion in whatever capacity that may be and causes action to occur. When a leader writes a vision they want to ensure that it is there for future generations and that it is something others are able to glean from.  A vision is also a teaching tool that will help future generations to not repeat past mistakes.

In conclusion, I believe that I have shown that research supports the opinion that vision is without a doubt an element of leadership. Although, utilizing the vision as a leadership tool can be a little challenging at times, but if the main focus is depended upon you can promote a desired change and align those within your organization to line up within the scope of your vision.   So as you can see vision and leadership provides the destination for getting to the end result.  Effective planning is impossible without the vision. 

Hope you enjoyed today’s post, as always your comments and feedback are welcome.