VISION: Can You See It Before It Exists?

Walt Disney had an extraordinary ability as a leader. He could see something that didn't exist yet.

The picture was so clear in his mind that he could describe it, communicate it, and inspire other people to help build it.

Walt Disney died in 1966—five years before Walt Disney World opened in Florida. At the dedication, someone reportedly commented to his wife, Lillian, that it was a shame Walt wasn't there to see it. Her response has become a powerful lesson in vision:

“He did see it. That's why it's here.”

That is what vision really is. Vision isn't predicting the future. Vision is seeing the future you intend to create—and making it clear enough that other people can see it too.

That's where many organizations struggle.

·       The owner has a vision.

·       The CEO has a vision.

·       The board has a vision.

·       The leadership team has a vision.

But does anyone else see it?

If your employees can't describe where the organization is going…

If your leadership team can't explain what you're trying to become…

If people are making daily decisions without understanding the bigger picture…

You may have a dream—but you don't yet have an organizational vision.

A leader's job isn't simply to have the vision. A leader must:

SEE IT.

Create a clear picture of where you're going.

SAY IT.

Communicate it simply, consistently, and repeatedly.

SHARE IT.

Help others understand their role in making it happen.

BUILD IT.

Align decisions, people, resources, and priorities around it.

The greatest visions exist twice:

1. First in the mind of the leader.

2. Then in the world everyone else can see.

Leadership Question

If I asked five people in your organization where you're trying to be in five years…would I hear the same answer?

If not, you may not have a vision problem.

You may have a vision communication problem.