“I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true”

~ Walt Disney

A version of this article has been featured on MariaShriver.com

This quote from Walt Disney is something I can relate to.  For the past year I have been on a journey to expand my business and focus on work that is fueled by my passion.  I set off on this path about 14 months ago when I realized that I did not have a clear vision for my business.  I found myself trying to be too many things to too many people.

I was without focus.

I was not clear on who I was meant to serve.

I had lost my bearing.

This lack of purpose prompted me to make a significant investment in myself through engaging a business mentor and coach as well as an entrepreneurial mastermind group.  I began to regain my focus. I began to uncover my true passion.  I became clear on how I wanted to make a difference in the world.

As I became more clear on what I wanted to achieve, I became invigorated by the process.  I set the intention to make every business decision based on what I was striving to create, rather than on what I was worried about happening.

I began to see my vision so clearly that I began to make decisions as if I was already living it. 

Having a strong vision has since ensured that my efforts are in synch with my goals, that I’m working on the most significant task, and that I will in fact get to my desired destination.

Similar to my recent experience, many of the leaders I work with, passionately believe that they can make a difference.  They have the desire to make something happen, to change the way things are, to create something that was never thought of before.  This vision is often a reflection of their highest standards and values.

Although many leaders have a sense of what they want to do, articulating this vision and inspiring others to see the same view can be difficult.

When working with clients, I often help them to create an Ideal Scene, a lively, energetic, and vivid description of what they want to create … how they see their team, their organization, and themselves…

What will it feel like to walk the halls? 

How will employees be interacting with one another? 

What will clients be saying? 

How do employees know they are valued?

What does it look like when results are achieved?

How is the organization different from the competition?

This clear vision pulls them forward.  It generates excitement for new possibilities.  It creates a foundation on which to build specific action steps, one-by-one moving closer to their desired state.

However, an ideal vision seen only by the leader is not enough to create momentum to make significant changes within an organization.  It takes the buy-in, dedication, and support of everyone. Others will not follow if they do not view the vision as their own.

Leaders cannot command commitment, they can only inspire it.

To enlist others, leaders must understand the needs, values, hopes, and aspirations of others and then incorporate these ideals into the vision.

I have worked with countless organizations to identify a vision for the future and have learned many lessons along the way. Read on to see some of the best practices allowing leaders to create a solid and inspiring vision.

LOOK AT WHERE YOU’VE BEEN

Before looking at where you want to go, valuable information can be derived by looking at where you have been. By reflecting on both the peaks and valleys of the organization, patterns and best practices can be identified.  Some leaders find it helpful to conduct a SWOT analysis in which they evaluate the organization’s current internal Strengths and Weaknesses along with external Opportunities and Threats.  The goal of this exercise is to identify methods to capitalize on Strengths while closing the weakness gaps within the organization.  Equally important is to see where external Opportunities can be optimized while potential Threats minimized.

LISTEN TO WHAT THEY ARE SAYING 

Effective leaders make the time and place value on listening.  This allows the leader to truly understand what is important and valued by others.  “Walking the halls”, being visible and present, engaging in casual conversations, and scheduling 1:1 meetings allows leaders to go get a sense of what is really going on in the hearts and minds of those that are critical to the organization’s success.  As the authors Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner state in their book The Leadership Challenge, “To truly hear what your constituents want – what they desperately hope to make you understand, appreciate, and include within the vision – requires that you periodically suspend your regular activity and spend time listening to others.”

Leadership is a dialogue.  It is not about imposing a personal agenda or persuading others to go in a certain direction.  It is about creating a shared sense of destiny which addresses the values, desires, and aspirations of others.  In doing so, motivation, commitment, loyalty, pride, and productivity are enhanced.  And this can only be accomplished when you truly listen.

DETERMINE WHAT YOU WANT

Creating an energetic and vivid description of where you want to go can be of great assistance in creating excitement and enthusiasm for the future.  This can be done as a free flowing brainstorm to identify the numerous qualities and aspects desired within the organization.  Items may include descriptions of the client relationship, employee interactions, communication flow, teamwork, product innovation, ideas for growth, methods to leverage strengths and so on.  What is most important is that every item is clearly and energetically outlined creating a vivid picture of what the organization looks and feels like making the intangible…in fact… tangible.

SPEAK WITH ENTHUSIASM

When talking about the vision, avoid using words like “try” or “might”, rather say “will” and “are”.  You will create what you focus on and if you focus on the obstacles, barriers, and negativity…that is what you will manifest.  While it is okay to acknowledge the challenges that may be encountered, it is never helpful to dwell on them or use them as an excuse for not moving forward.  Continually reaffirm to team members that you have confidence in their abilities to succeed.  There is tremendous power in your words and you can either build people up or bring others down just by the words that you choose.  In the book The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz, his first agreement is Be Impeccable With Your Word.  Ruiz goes on to say “Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.”

You as the leader, are modeling the way.  Others are noticing both your behaviors and attitudes.  As you enthusiastically talk about the organization and and celebrate milestones, no matter how small, your energy becomes contagious.

So if you ever feel like you are without focus or are trying to be too many things to too many people, consider using these techniques to gain clarity for yourself and others. 

If you would like to explore how the Leadership Resource Group can support you and your team in gaining focus as a means to achieve your goals, please schedule a complementary Deep Dive Session today.