Cast your vision

“Without a vision, the people perish”. This ancient quote was never more relevant than it is today. I notice many senior leaders are less inclined to impart vision but rather eager to adopt programs to bring about strategic change. Programs rarely achieve expectations; my experience and a significant body of research, supports this.

“Vision” in the business context is ‘the desired end state that an organisation aims to achieve. The vision gives direction; it describes what an organisation wants to be’.

Organisations often introduce lean thinking (waste elimination; google ‘TPS’ for more), six sigma (variation reduction) and numerous other programs that seem to be logical solutions to the woes of an organisation. While these may be competent programs in themselves, they fail to engage people on a personal level; yet, it is on a personal level that people see the opportunity to change.

Rather than introduce yet another program, Leaders should articulate vision to their organisations using words that are personal to them. This leaves people in no doubt that the vision reflects both the head and the heart of the leader. Then, the leader can use an appropriate program to support their vision.

When I talk to leaders about using an improvement program, I always place that program in the context of their personal vision for the success of the organisation. I advise leaders to emphasise their vision and de-emphasise the role of the program. Vision is what gives direction; the program is the initiative to make the vision possible.

——————————————————————–Vision reflects both the head and the heart of the Leader who Inspires.——————————————————————–

Programs will mean nothing to people unless those programs are used to support the Leader’s personal Vision for success.

So rather than another program, cast a compelling vision for positive change!

Keep on inspiring!

Dan

Dan Jackson is the author of “The Leader Who Inspires – increase your influence and ignite your passion to succeed” and the creator of LWI Advance Your Career.