The Consultant: It’s a Vision Thing
In tough economic times, organizational vision becomes more important than ever.
Times are truly tough, but even in the bleakest part of the business cycle people need something to work for. They need a VISION articulated with passion.
Vision describes something an organization will accomplish – something inspiring that brings focus to the business. More importantly, it brings people together - just what we need during these hard times.
A vision must be:
- Imaginable: creates a picture of the future that everyone can visualize and understand
- Inspiring: fires up desire and creates a personal connection to the core values of the organization
- Realistic: achievable, with focused direction and real-world outcomes
- Flexible: gives individuals and teams the opportunity to grow and develop
- Clear: easily communicated, digested and understood
- Compelling: makes people want to take action
Achieving a vision can be difficult. Too often we assume everyone gets the idea. Truth is, we have to sell it hard and often. Remember:
- Play to the crowd: identify key players, communicators and supporters
- Make it positive: stay on message and pass along positive news
- K-I-S-S and tell: keep-it-short-and-simple. Your vision should be easy to pass on.
If you communicate the vision to others so they understand it, accept it, remember it and go on and share it, then it will become a uniting force that leads your organization towards the future.