“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
— Warren Bennis
Vision is something we imagine, something in the future we see, not with our eyes, but with our minds. This ability allows us to think and plan our future by intentionally applying wisdom, knowledge, and a well-thought-out action plan to our imagination.
Jack Welch says, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” The law of process figures significantly in the reception construction and completion of a good vision.
Consider the Following Four Questions
Do you have a compelling vision within you? -Everyone has visions of a promising future whether they realize it or not. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people never make their vision a reality. Most people never attempt to validate their vision, much less have any plan to realize them.
Can you vividly describe your vision? – Being vague is just an idea; having a vision reveals detailed aspects of what you see. It isn’t necessary to see every detail of your vision, but you must be crystal clear about some aspects of it. The rest of the pieces will fall into place as you think it through while planning your action steps in pursuit of it.
Why do you want to make your vision a reality? - Some experts say that the more valid reasons you have for pursuing your vision, the higher the probability you’ll achieve it.
Do you own your vision? – Ask yourself if that vision is yours or if you were influenced by how someone else is pursuing theirs. Believing in your vision and having ownership of it are two separate things. Leasing the home you’re living in is very different from owning it. Just as you must pay the price to own the home you’re living in, so must you pay the price to own the vision you’re pursuing.
Realizing Your Vision
Joel A. Barker says, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”
Joanne Rowling (J.K. Rowling), the author of the Harry Potter series, envisioned a time when Harry Potter would be a household name among children everywhere. Her vision was the driving force behind her overcoming the rejection of a dozen publishers and more than her share of negative thinkers. At times, her struggles were so great she even began to question herself.
It’s said she was told by her agent that writing books for children weren’t in her future. She allowed her vision to change her thinking, drive her decisions, and reprioritize her daily agenda. Her vision brought her international recognition, global sales of nearly 500 million books, and financial security. Her story illustrates the overwhelming power of vision! (1)
In Closing, It’s always empowering to prepare for the future when you’re helping to create it! All leaders are visionaries to some degree; they utilize their imagination to envision a better future. If you’ll pursue your vision until it begins to recreate your current reality. It will eventually reprioritize your daily agenda.
In his book The Light in the Heart, Roy T. Bennett says, “Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do. Don’t let the limitations of others limit your vision. If you can remove your self-doubt and believe in yourself, you can achieve what you never thought possible.” End Notes
(1) “The Overwhelming Power of Vision” – John S Picarello https://bit.ly/3VmK4bN
*** This article was authored by John Picarello, Chief Leadership Officer at Lions Pride Leadership Co. ***