I was recently asked to step in and speak to a group and got real extremely excited about the opportunity to share and engage in conversations about vision. And then the inevitable happened…the ol’ “hamster wheel” started spinning. I was excited, nervous and scrambling about what I was going to talk about and actually began sweating. The inner voice in me was chirping away and started to take over.
I did what I have done since 2010, go for a ride and then it came to me, you know, that Homer Simpson “Doh” moment. What would happen if I actually practiced what I was talking about? What would that look like? What do I want the session to be? After all I was going to be sharing thoughts on visioning right?
All of a sudden it was go ahead, enjoy some, share some, and let’s get started!
Think about this.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now”. Chinese Proverb.
I experienced this while working in New Zealand and staying with a close friend on his farm. His dad had a vision and staggered the planting of trees on the farm so in tough times they could cut the mature trees and sell to keep the farm going. It was an amazing farm that survived even the toughest of times.
For the purpose of this story let’s just say that vision is a clear view and understanding of realizable goals, plans and intentions. The same way an Architect brings his vision from the table to reality, as leaders we need to articulate the strategy, goals, targets and daily actions that will help our people embrace the vision.
I always ask the following:
What is your vision?
What skills and behaviors are required?
What daily actions will we see?
What will the “pulse” feel and look like?
Vision is a process that must be nurtured within those that will own it. Is your vision compelling enough to ignite those around you?
“Vision…it reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception that can be. Imagination gives you the picture Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own”
**– Robert Collier**My vision is to create an environment where people are inspired to be what they are designed to be. To facilitate this process I attempt to plant a seed every day with the people I meet not knowing what will happen or who they will become in 20 years. To me every day is the best time to help people take the plans off the table and start moving, engaging and embracing the picture as it was meant to be. After all, you and your organizations performance depend on those that believe in it.