Vision (part 1) – why is it so hard to share

So as a leader sometimes you have an idea and it is great and you want everyone under you to understand and see your vision but here lies the rub. Sharing a vision is one of the hardest things to do. The skill and practice required to truly pass on a vision only comes through much practice many failures.

I struggle with this because sometimes I have an idea and it is an amazing idea that will help people and make things run smoothly or get us to a desired out come. However when I talk to those under me I tend to am unsuccessful at passing it on in such a way that is actually meaningful.

I think some of the keys to passing on a vision:

1.       Clear intent – why is this vision important to me as a leader and a follower. What is the purpose of this action or direction

2.       Value – if a vision does not have value then to the individuals who you are trying to pass it on to they will not embrace it as their own. For a vision to be embraced it has to reach into the hearts of those it is meant for and grab them.

3.       Clear guidelines (left and right limits) – when passing on a vision it is very important to make sure that the range limits are set and clear. Because when the person(s) executing the vision are moving ideally you want them to figure out their own plan for reach that vision and that means letting them go and execute. This means that they have to know their constraints.

4.       Trust – you have to fully trust those you are passing the vision onto. Because a vision is a very valuable thing, and fragile. When you share your vision with another there is always a fear that why will drop it or reject it. Trusting the competence and ownership of those who follow you is very important. Because nothing kills a vision more than second guessing your followers and not trusting their plans for reaching the vision, because theirs will look different than how you would do it. However assessing progress and direction is very important in keeping a vision alive and well.

At the end of the day what is a vision…it is a dream…it is an idea….it is a fire…it is the beat of your heart…it is the very reason you do what you do….it is your motivation and driving force.

I really believe this. I truly believe that a vision that is embraced and believed is something that is one of the quintessential factors in a healthy and successful organization.

When I developed the Axe Vision for my company with the help of my 1SG and my PLs I was looking for something that encompassed who we were as Axmen and what we were about. I wanted a set of words that were more than words but the reasons why we are here at west point and why we stay. I poured hours and hours into the vision and at the end of the day my command team and I came up with this.

A1 Lead the Corps in Word, Deed and Character. Together we, daily toughen our bodies and prepare our minds to be READY WARRIORS worthy of leading American’s Sons and Daughters.