Vision, an Obligation, or Inspiration?
One of the overwhelming pains I have developed after working with so many leaders, is their lack of passion because they don’t have vision. 90% of the leaders I’ve worked with had a vision statement and plan but didn’t have a vision. There is a difference between vision statements, plans, booklets, boards, and an actual VISION. See for many leaders, the question is if your vision is birthed out of obligation and inspiration. And what I’ve discovered over the past decade of working with leaders, is that too many of us plan out of obligation rather than inspiration.
Vision is vital to organizational longevity and organizational engagement. And in my work, I have too often seen how most leaders have undermined the value of vision. You can’t blame the lack of engagement or retention on your lack of resources. It starts with your vision. Do you want to increase engagement? Do you want to attract and retain high-level employees or volunteers?
Develop Vision out of Inspiration
Followers won’t be inspired or engaged if the leader is not inspired or engaged. If you don’t believe in it, no one else will. And leaders must understand that your employees, teams and/or volunteers can easily detect when you are disconnected and directly operating out of obligation. You cannot fake inspiration.
Leaders must reevaluate themselves. Do we really believe in the vision? Have we crafted visions that came from the obligation of having something to present to our organization at the start of the year? Or are we ourselves inspired by what we want to see accomplished in our industry? Many leaders who I’ve worked with have been able to grow their understanding of vision and it’s power to inspire, motivate and influence greater engagement and retention. Vision should be your heart, and if your heart is seen, your organization and/or team will respond.
Leadership Challenge: Reflect on the following questions.
What is my organization’s vision?
Am I inspired by it or is it an obligation?
Does it clearly articulate the impact we desire to have?
What impact do I want my organization to have in our industry?
How can I create a vision that is inspired by the impact we desire to have?
See How My Services Can Increase Your Workforce Engagement & Retention
Vision Development - We teach leaders how to take the vision and connect it to your employees and/or volunteers. See real results.
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