"The People Perish for Lack of Vision"
This may sound like a bold statement but if you have been in leadership for some time or have been around leaders you may have experienced the effects of following a leader with no clear vision. This is not new. The above quote was written a few thousand years ago and found in the Bible at Proverbs 29:18.
So what is a vision? In simple terms, it’s the picture of the preferred future that the leader paints for the team. It is supposed to energize and motivate the team to do all they can to get to that magical place out there. Words like “the first” “the most” “the best” and “number one” are usually found in lofty vision statements.
I recently read the backstory of why a former presidential candidate withdrew her candidacy. One of the reasons given for the withdrawal was a lack of a clear vision. It was also stated that her core values were not clearly articulated causing her campaign workers to be less sure-footed when making decisions. A campaign, like a company, has to make multiple decisions in any given week. Being unclear about who you are and what you stand for can create an explosive situation.
So what are (core) values? I love this definition from YourDictionary.com:
“Core values are the fundamental beliefs of a person or organization. These guiding principles dictate behavior and can help people understand the difference between right and wrong. Core values also help companies to determine if they are on the right path and fulfilling their goals by creating an unwavering guide.”
With this definition in mind, you can imagine that if a leader’s values are unclear it would make it difficult for her team to follow.
When I coach individuals or work with organizations I always begin with their vision, mission, and values. These are the pillars on which you build yourself or your organization. If your foundation is weak you can operate successfully for a while but when pressure comes, which it always does in life and business, the organization and its leader will not be able to withstand it.
If you are a solo entrepreneur or part of a large organization, please solidify your vision, mission, and values and stick with it!
Also, please contact me for a free 30-minute coaching call if you feel you're ready to take your next step! Click on the link below to book your call!
With Love,
Sharon
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