Inspiring Visions
Lesson: Inspiring visions appeal to the heart,
and it is the heart which fuels the power of emotional commitment.
Visions are about possibilities -- of destinations that can be.
They appeal to our imagination and sense of adventure. Visions are
leadership.
Management activities require the logical mind
and thrive in the world of probabilities. Is the planning of expected
values or best case scenarios important? You bet! Just be aware
that probabilities may help you better predict future outcomes,
but visions of inspiring possibilities enable you to truly create
and achieve the kind of future you want.
Remember: The Characteristics of a Vision:
Ideal |
Future-oriented |
Unique |
Common Good |
Image |
Decision Guide |
Experiential Activity:
(45 minutes)
Get your team together and have some fun with
the following.
- Pick several categories, such as entertainment,
work, transportation, computers, education, travel, money, TV
and so forth. You may use any of these or choose your own.
- Separate into small groups (3 or more) and
have each group select one category.
- In each group, take 15 - 20 minutes to discuss
and brainstorm future trends related to each category. Remember
to Challenge the Process and think about them in outlandish, untraditional
ways. Jot down your key insights.
- Share your responses with each other.
Laugh a little, but then look at them more closely. What do you
see? Are there connections among the categories? What do your
responses suggest about the future for your organization -- your
products -- your services.
Now think about the following questions:
- Were you able to create images of these future
trends? (I'll bet your were!)
- Were they clear -- or vague and nebulous?
- Were they unique and idealistic -- or
plain and predictable?
Why is it easier to create a mental picture
of a future trend, yet so hard to form a vivid picture of a vision
in the workplace?
Action Plan:
1) Review the vision you prepared at The Leadership
Challenge Workshop. or are currently following. Write down what
about it is exciting and alive for you
- what it means to you
- some vivid examples of what it looks like.
(Please be more creative than bags of money or smiling faces.)
2. Set up a vision meeting with your direct reports
before the end of the month.
- ask your people to respond to the above three
questions.
- compare thoughts. (Listen, really listen to
each other.)
- work to make your vision become more real (like
some of your future trend images).
3. For every upcoming decision, begin right now
asking the question, "Is this decision we are making (or are
about to make) really consistent with our vision and values? Be
clear on your answer. If you are deviating from your vision, do
it consciously and only with good reason.
Let us hear from you about your progress and your
questions (use the message board on this website).
And remember, never -- ever -- ever let the fire of vision burn
out.
Click here for last month's lesson: Challenging
and Risk Taking.
- Home Page - About
ILA - Articles - Leadership Journal - Programs & Services
- Success Stories -
- Assessments / Instruments -
Continuing Development - Leadership
Model - Partners - Contact
Us -
All materials Copyright © 1999-2007 International Leadership Associates. All rights reserved.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form or
by any means without written permission of International Leadership
Associates.
|