Why Vision Matters
I came across an insightful quote about vision from Michael Hyatt who is the CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers.
“This is where great leadership makes all the difference. Leadership is more than influence. It is about reminding people of what it is we are trying to build—and why it matters. It is about painting a picture of a better future. It comes down to pointing the way and saying, “C’mon. We can do this!”
When times are tough, vision is the first casualty. Before conditions can improve, it is the first thing we must recover.
I thought this was well said. Having a strong vision is one of many ways to lead an organization, and I think it’s a powerful motivator when leadership can paint a clear and compelling picture of the future.
And of course, sometimes the path ahead isn’t so clear. Then what do you do? Be disciplined and step back and thing about the horizon.
Of course, it isn’t everyone’s style to create a compelling vision. Direction is only one aspect of an organization that needs to be in sync. Still, I believe it’s important to let others who tend to think this way participate in setting a compelling direction.
Linchpin
Seth Godin’s new book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, proposes that there are three teams in every workplace: management, labor, and a new team — linchpins.
Linchpins, Godin suggests, “invent, lead (regardless of title), connect others, make things happen, and create order out of chaos. They figure out what to do when there’s no rule book. They delight and challenge their customers and peers. They love their work, pour their best selves into it, and turn each day into a kind of art.”
Godin challenges us to “make an indispensable contribution to something you care about.” We think that’s a great challenge.
- What do you care about in your organization? Are you excited about the direction your organization is headed? Are you building a culture that engages your customers?
- Do you understand your personal strengths well enough to know where you can make a unique contribution?
- Have you connected your strengths to the challenges and opportunities your organization faces?
Let us know where you see this happening. Tell us about the Linchpins in your workplace!
