Developing a Shared Vision

How do new leaders create this forward looking capacity?

What

A vision describes what you are working towards. It serves to:

• Inspire the hearts and minds of others, motivating people to move  towards a better, shared future.
• Push people beyond their comfort zones and routines.
• Be a touchstone for future decisions/actions aligning to the vision.

As a leader, you will need to help your employees understand the company’s vision, connect the work of your employees to the vision, and clarify the purpose of your team – who do they serve, what do they do, and how achievements connect to organizational results.

Why

Without a meaningful “end in mind” it is unlikely we will take the action steps that will get us where we want to go. It is easy to lose sight of “the big picture” and the reason we are all doing the work we do. Developing a shared vision within your team will help to ensure your:

• Team drives business results through day to day work activities.
• Employees feel connected to the company’s success.
• Team understands how their day to day work activities contribute to organizational results.

When

• Conduct an annual “visioning” meeting with your employees.
• During regular department meetings, one-on-ones and performance appraisals continue to link the performance of day to day activities to the realization of the shared vision established earlier.

Creating a shared vision is not the end; it is the beginning. The development and execution of strategies and action plans for its achievement must follow.