Are you
building a new organization, launching a change effort, or just
managing an organization through changing times? If you are, you
will be much more effective if
you communicate a clear compelling vision that sets the direction for
your organization. A clear vision not only keeps your organization
focused and motivated but also enables other organizations to fully
engage and support you, ensuring your success. Below is a list
of 10 steps you can take to build a compelling
vision.
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Assess what is happening around you.
Determine who your stakeholders are, and assess their needs
and expectations of your organization. (Stakeholders can include major customers,
partners, board members, peers, influential people within the
organization) Find out how your stakeholders will measure your
success. Then look externally and review how your
competition is responding to changes in the market. Consider
if there is anything you can learn from them.
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Look for trends. As
you do this analysis can you see any trends that you need to
address. If
things continue the way they are what will that mean for your
organization?
-
Think Big. Give yourself some time
to think about the opportunities in front of you. What is the
biggest thing that you want to achieve. Think outside of the box. Don't
limit your thinking. Is that big enough?
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Think long term. Make sure
that you are taking a long term view, and not being side tracked
with short term needs or personal ambition.
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Dream your vision. Take a moment. Imagine
yourself in the future - one year from now. Write down what will
be different in clear simple terms. Your organization has
been successful. Describe what you have achieved and the key
people that have contributed to your success. Describe
the benefits that this brings to the company, your customers,
partners and employees.
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Have passion. Does
this vision get you excited and motivated to act? Does it
have meaning? If not,
what would it take for you to have real passion for your vision?
Revise your vision. Address any obstacles that are in your
way.
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Access the available resources.
Review the capabilities of your existing resources. Are there
any gaps? When you start to implement your vision you
will need to address these gaps.
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Invite others in. You
are now ready to involve
others in your planning. People generally like to
collaborate and help. Be
open to other's ideas and input and share your vision with them. Begin
to build a joint plan for how to implement the vision.
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Balance conviction vs.
openness. As you communicate your vision, you need to believe that your vision is right while still being open to new
ideas and suggestions from others. Without the support and
commitment of others you cannot succeed.
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Keep objective. Your vision
is not you. If people reject your ideas they are not
rejecting you. Keep your objectivity with you at all times
so you can be open to suggestions that will improve your vision.
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