home | site map | privacy policy |
|
7 Core Elements Of Your Vivid Vision!
What you are about to read may be found in the Bible butit also applies to your professional life. Most leaders neglect to provide a statement of vision to thepeople they lead and when a vision is presented it usuallylacks any vitality or inspirational value. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" - that's thewarning given to the King Solomon [in Proverbs 29:18]. And the prophet Habakkuk is commanded to, "Write the vision,and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readsit, for the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but atthe end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, waitfor it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry [Hab2:2-3]." So your vision statements must serve three importantfunctions: 1) Those who you lead need that vision or their efforts willfail to achieve anything of long-lasting value; 2) Your vision must be written in clear, plain language sothat your people will be able to run with its meaning; 3) A vision refers to some appointed time in the future andthough it appears to be delayed in coming, it willeventually become your reality. An Element of Purposeful Action! You need verbs. Use your statements to convey action. Youractions must be focused on producing some effect, result oroutcome. You could discuss it - but that will not satisfy the desiresof our human hearts. Your vision must fulfill others and notleave them with a sense of emptiness. You should say something that matters to others, somethingthat will impact their lives, something that gives them apurpose. Give their efforts, activities or striving a worthy reward. An Element of Compelling Reasons! Your leadership is the reason. Why do they want to followyou? What "because" will your vision provide them with? Howcome we need to do this thing, this project, this venture? Your statement must give a set of compelling reasons fortaking action. These reasons must be compelling, inspiring,critical, exciting, essential to your group. I love those CEOs who slither up to the microphone and telltheir fellow employees that they should be motivated toslave away so that the company can 'increase shareholdervalue'! After the speech, ask those employees about thepercentage of their ownership in that company and you findout that the employees only own about 0.1% - not even enoughpower to vote in a single director. Increasing shareholder value is not very exciting to anyone,including shareholders - they are motivated by the amountsof money they actually earn - cash-in-hand, not promises ofpaper profits. An Element of Trustworthy Purposes! Psychologists say unemployed people are usually depressed,sullen and lethargic. It's a scientific fact that peopleliving with little or no purpose are unhappy and are morelikely to think about ending their lives. You and I are at our most effective when we are fulfillingour purpose. Job titles are important because thosedesignations tell people that there is a purpose for theirwork, their organization and profession. Your title is not the only indicator of your purpose but itdoes give you a sense of purpose, doesn't it? We find iteasier to trust in and rely on the promises of a worthwhile,noble purpose. Your vision statements should give the group a purpose thatis worthy of their trust, loyalty and commitment. An Element of Valuable Identity Do your statements portray pictures of hope, futurerealities or laudable objectives? What will your groupidentify themselves with after they achieve your vision? Vivid visions educate, develop and encourage people. Visionshold up the mirror of future possibilities and enable peopleto see their potential clearly defined. You can use your visionary projections to transform thegroup into a newer, better, more confident team of leaders,innovators and mentors. Thus, visions can help you add valueto and boost the resourcefulness of your people's bestefforts. An Element of Principled Activities Without principles, your vision will fade away intonothingness - is it possible that the Bible's Author meansthe same thing? Your vision must have a strong foundation to have any chanceat a future of success. Integrating the personal, culturaland corporate values of your people into your visionprovides a bedrock for buy-in from all the actors. Principles, shared beliefs, morals or ethics can also formthe underpinnings of a worthy vision. When you involve anypositive findings from our studies of philosophy, psychologyor theology you probably have the makings of a nurturingvision. An Element of Eternal Hope The time is now but eternity is forever. Eternity is one bigeternal present - within it, there is no past, no future andno in-between, there is only a now. Your vision needs to be present at all times - to be surethe vision may not yet be attained, but it when its goalsare achieved that visionary image will be present. If the vision contains a crystallized hope, it will appearto mirror the best parts of eternity - your vision will bewithout any past regrets, without the fear of future doomand it will contain one ever-present hope for better things. An Element of Unlimited Dimensionality Does your vision statement inspire our bodies, minds,spirits and potentials? Have you spoken to and connectedwith our physical, intellectual, spiritual or developmentalbeings? The vision that finds its way into a group's innermost corehas the best chance of realization. Your statement must helpyour audience to see their opportunities to: - Add tangible value to their world - Pursue newer, more challenging ideas - Be empowered to accomplish greater things - Grow beyond the limitations of their current state Use the power of dimension to lengthen, deepen, heighten andbroaden the character, capability, competence and potentialof your team - they'll be the better for it. ------------------------------------------------------------ Your vivid vision statement should contain the promise of agreater, more desirable world - if you include these 7elements, you will see your envisioned ideas become aglorious version of a new reality. Thomas Jefferson included the line, "life, liberty, and thepursuit of happiness" to describe his vision of an UnitedStates of America in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's ideas certainly sparked the imaginations of manypeople and his statements were eventually transformed into atangible reality. The best vision statements embody idealsthat are usually shared by all participants. If you can find those ideals, if you use the 7 elements andif you share your heart with your followers, you too will beable to craft an enduring, yet inspirational vision. Start writing a vision for your own personal growth andfuture - then take action and put your ideals into practiceand help others to realize their dreams. Don't let the people perish, give them a vivid vision to runwith and prosper by and the world will beat a path to yourdoor! Copyright © 2004, Mustard Seed Investments, Inc., All rights reserved ------------------------------------------------------------ About the Author:Bill Thomas produces "The Leadership Toolkit" - a webbased training program that improves your leadership skills,energizes creativity and transforms you into a persuasive,empowering leader. Inspire Confidence, Be Creative, EnhanceYour Leadership Influence - Get "All the Tools You Need ToLead!" http://www.leadership-toolkit.com/Leadership_Toolkit.html ------------------------------------------------------------
Leadership is best defined by the quality of your thoughts, decisions and actions. It is also underpinned by the quality of the tools you use in your role. Be seen to bring true leadership to your organization and act with the authority that it brings to you.
MORE RESOURCES: A Crisis of Campus Leadership National Review Leadership shakeup at the Carbondale YMCA | News | thetimes-tribune.com Scranton Times-Tribune Goodwill's CEO on Christian Leadership and the Fight for Opportunity The Gospel Coalition Letter From Student Urges Cal Poly Humboldt Leadership to Rethink Campus Closure and Facilitate Peaceful Protests Redheaded Blackbelt Elon Musk’s Leadership Gaps At Tesla Come To A Head CleanTechnica Bill seeks to speed Wake schools' hunt for university partnership with leadership academies WRAL News Ball State University's Dr. Jason Rivera Selected to AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance Class of 2024-25 Ball State University News Eckerd College alumna delivers message of perseverance at Diversity Leadership Scholars banquet Eckerd College News Excellence in Leadership Awards celebrates student leaders - The Source Washington University in St. Louis Brentsville District High School's Student Government Association hosts 10th annual leadership conference Prince William County Public Schools Investing in leadership: MarketBeat's commitment to employee development SiouxFalls.Business J.B. Hunt formalizes leadership changes at annual meeting | Arkansas Democrat Gazette Arkansas Online Youth Leadership Shelby County sees 32 students graduate - Shelby County Reporter Shelby County Reporter The Impossible Dilemma of Black Female Leadership: The Tragedy of Nobody Seeing Us Even When Everybody's ... Nonprofit Quarterly ScreenPoint Medical Leadership Transition: Pieter Kroese Confirmed as CEO USA - English - USA - English PR Newswire Daily Pennsylvanian leadership to speak as part of SAS "Living the Hard Promise" series The Daily Pennsylvanian Tia restructures leadership as it eyes clinic expansion Fierce healthcare How Empathy-Based Leadership Can Transform Your Team Entrepreneur J.B. Hunt formalizes leadership changes at annual meeting Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Head of DLNR defends her leadership amid calls to resign, including from several lawmakers Hawaii News Now Staar Surgical Stock Climbs The Leadership Ladder With Jump To 84 RS Rating Investor's Business Daily Youth Leadership Citrus graduation held | Lifestyle | chronicleonline.com Citrus County Chronicle Idaho nonprofit grows again with new leadership Idaho Business Review To help right the ship, Richmond councilmembers and city leadership talk about being more thoughtful to each other The Mercury News Star Tribune promotes Kavita Kumar and adds Melissa Wind to leadership roles Editor And Publisher Magazine SES Karen M. Davis Engages in Insightful Leadership Discussions at SUPSHIP Newport News American Military News People Moves: Lockton Promotes 2 in Crisis Management Team, Announces Changes in Norway Leadership Insurance Journal Dairy Farmers of America Leadership Programs Inspire Young Dairy Farmers Lancaster Farming Profiles in 4-H Leadership | Farm Home Garden | huntingdondailynews.com huntingdondailynews.com Let's join the Louisiana Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee as they visit Landry Vineyards RFD-TV Catholic group buys Boeing’s sprawling former leadership campus KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis Gastonia youth leaders recognized by city council Gaston Gazette 'Conservative' John Powell Talks Leadership In Race For Magistrate Wheeling Intelligencer Empowering Young Leaders in Wildlife Conservation and Trade: Global Youth Network Launched in Singapore at the ... Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) In global leadership poll, Germany scores highest, Russia the lowest Voice of America - VOA News Lessen Expands Leadership Team and Appoints Kevin Owens as Executive Vice President, Multifamily Business Wire BioMarin axes 4 candidates, centers R&D around 3 assets Fierce Biotech Center notes change in executive leadership Bonner County Daily Bee Stefanik Statement on Columbia University's Failed Leadership | Press Releases Congresswoman Elise Stefanik AACN's New Web Resource Focuses on Preparing Nurses with Essential Well-Being and Leadership Competencies Business Wire ACRA encourages civic engagement among local business leaders The Aspen Times Leadership Pulaski County Application Deadline My Ozarks Online 2023 Class of President’s Leadership Class graduation celebrated Southeastern Oklahoma State University Susquehanna announces annual Leadership Awards – Susquehanna University Susquehanna University Area school districts seeking new leaders WCPO 9 Cincinnati Women for WineSense Winemaking & Viticulture Roundtable Presents "Growing Brands, Teams and Impact" 8th ... wineindustryadvisor.com ECU Alumni Association names 2024 Robert H. Wright Alumni Leadership Award recipients ECU News Services Attorney says 'accountability clock' is ticking for UI leadership Lewiston Morning Tribune Letter: Webb has leadership Grant County needs | Letters To Editor | bluemountaineagle.com Blue Mountain Eagle Lessons in leadership from 'committed sardine' - UND Today UND Blogs and E-Newsletters Supporting female leaders to advance cell and gene therapies European Pharmaceutical Review Youth vaping issue is leading topic at Archway Leadership Summit Moultrie Observer SIA Leadership Summit Advances Sustainability, Climate Change Talks Shop-Eat-Surf.com The Leadership Renaissance In Executive Education: Cutting-Edge Programs At The World's Top B-Schools Poets&Quants With new leadership and support, Cheney High School's drama program relaunches to create a solid platform for the ... The Inlander Bates, Rouse reelected to Iowa Board of Regents leadership • Iowa Capital Dispatch Iowa Capital Dispatch First Presidency Announces 2024 Area Leadership Assignments Church Newsroom |
RELATED ARTICLES
In Leadership, The Eight Ways Of Right Action (Part 2) In Part 1, I said that leaders who can't have people take right action are ineffective, and I listed four of the eight ways of right action. In Part 2, I'll describe the remaining four ways. Mr. Shoaffs Simple Strategies to Success (Excerpted from the Jim Rohn Sampler single CD)My first mentor, Mr. Shoaff, over a six-year period from the time I was 25 to age 31, taught me some extraordinarily simple things, before his untimely passing at age 49. The Six Essential Leadership Attributes Leadership is the foundation for all organizations, whether corporate, nonprofit or government. Leadership is a high calling and responsibility, upon which all else the organization is or does rests. Four Obstacles to Exceptional Leadership--Part 1 "Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them." -- Orison Swett MardenEvery day leaders are faced with challenges to expand their thinking, overcome obstacles and embrace potential growth. The SAMMER Test: Leading People To Get The Right Results At the Right Time In The Right Way As a leader, you do nothing more important than get results. But simply getting results can be easy. The Death of Potential While reading my latest book on politics and economics, I came across a reference to a bible story called "Parable of the Talents'. In this story three servants are each give 'talents' (a monetary denomination used by the Greeks). 5 Tips to Help You Win Big & Become a Village Hero A few years ago, I returned to my impoverished village in Haiti. Many in the village came to see me-the tiny and diseased child they didn't expect to make it. Father Knows Best A good strong example of a family leader would be Joshua in the Bible. He was a true spiritual leader and a strong man of God. The Flexible Leadership Workshop The Leadership ChallengeLeaders in today's society are faced with an increasingly complex challenge: To deliver business results in the face of rapidly changing conditions, while building team members' capacity to address the future. While organizations are becoming generally flatter, less hierarchical, less "command-and-control," individual managers must still determine which leadership style to employ. 10 Attributes of Effective Strategic Leaders! Did you know that people who lead strategically resemble fine-tuned machines? By focusing on their strategies, leaders see a bigger picture, they understand the reasons why and recognize the worthiness of elusive opportunities.Effective leaders make strategic use of and add value to every challenge in four important ways:1) Thinking through the lessons to be learned in each situation;2) Leveraging the available sources, imports and exports of energy;3) Boosting weak, diffused signals and messages of meaning;4) Sharpening the leading edge of innovative efforts - their people. The Qualities of Skillful Leadership If you want to be a leader who attracts quality people, the key is to become a person of quality yourself. Leadership is the ability to attract someone to the gifts, skills, and opportunities you offer as an owner, as a manager, as a parent. It Begins Like This Jonathan was drunk multiple times before ever completing elementary school; his father fed him bourbon so Jonathan would resist less while being sexually molested. On the night his mother was released from jail, Jonathan rode eagerly by his father's side to pick her up. The Power of the Leader Within - The Keys to Martial Arts Life Mastery, Key#1 "What do you want to be when you grow up?"Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seem almost programmed to ask it, don't they? Maybe you remember asking that same question to your own or another's child recently. Remember?I do. Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 4, Quiet Participants There are many reasons why someone would decline to participate during a meeting. For example, the person may feel reluctant to speak out, may disagree with the approach endorsed by others in the meeting, or may just be tired. Get Angry And Then Get Results Leadership is not about winning a popularity contest, it's about getting great results. To do so, leaders must challenge people not to do what they want to do but what they don't want to do. Having Fun In Leadership "Don't measure your life by your goals, but rather by what you are DOING to achieve them."-UnknownOne of the biggest mistakes leaders make is getting so wrapped up in achieving results, they forget to ensure that people are having fun along the way. Are You a Good Manager or a Great Leader? Your word is your truth - Know that when you speak, you will fulfill your promise to others and others will know they can depend on you. Think before you speak. Are You a Leader or a Manager? President Ike Eisenhower once demonstrated the difference between leadership and management to his cabinet by putting a piece of string in a straight line on the conference table. He then asked one of the attendees to put his finger on one end of the string and push it. Managing Monsters in Meetings - Part 2, Multiple Conversations Side conversations ruin meetings by destroying focus and fragmenting participation.Approach 1: Ask for cooperationStart by asking everyone to cooperate. Miraculous Leadership It was a time of turmoil. In November 1979, supporters of the Ayatollah Khomeini took 71 Americans hostage in Iran. |
|
© 2016 Definition Of Leadership & Career Consulting Limited |