Recently, I read a Facebook posting from a very accomplished contemporary of mine – a relatively few number of words, but words that are extremely profound. They were …
“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without a Vision is a nightmare.”
These words are attributed to an old Japanese proverb but they certainly have everyday practicality to virtually every single organization that exists out there, no matter how big or how small.
In my consulting practice I am constantly running into organizations that have no clearly, articulated Vision statement. What a nightmare it must be for the employees of those organizations — no matter where they are found within the organizational chart — who would like to know why their company is moving in a particular direction and/or why certain decisions were made and/or courses of action taken. It is so much easier for employees to “accept” such moves and decisions if those decisions and actions are directly tied to a Vision that all employees know and understand – and, most importantly, believe in!
So, what constitutes a good vision? Any good Vision statement should encompass as many of the following attributes as possible.
Imaginable …
- It should convey a picture of what the future will look like.
Desirable …
- It should appeal to the long-term interests of employees, customers, stockholders, and others who have a stake in the organization.
Feasible …
- It should comprise realistic, attainable goals.
Focused …
- It should be clear enough to provide guidance in decision-making.
Flexible …
- It should be general enough to allow individual initiative and alternative responses in light of changing environmental conditions.
Communicable …
- It should be easy to communicate – you must successfully explain it to any constituent with 30 seconds.
Don’t you think it is time to get rid of your nightmares? Don’t you think it is time to convert your daydreams into reality? I can assure you, your employees do! So, take the time to develop a clear Vision which all of your employees can believe in, develop strategies to help your organization and your employees achieve that Vision, and your nightmares will be a thing of the past! Now, isn’t that a wonderful thought?!