A Vision or a Dream?
by Miki Saxon
I wrote the following in 2008 and, based on a number of recent questions/conversations I think it’s time to post it again, with some light editing.
The Vision Thing
Whether you head a company, run a department, or lead a team, you are responsible for that ‘vision thing’ as it applies to those subordinate to you.
It’s your responsibility to clearly identify (if you are the CEO/Prez/Owner) or articulate (at all other levels) the goals of the company.
Then it’s up to you to involve your people, working with them to turn those goals into specific actions for which they are responsible.
Most people are vaguely aware that work isn’t done in a vacuum, but often individuals, teams, or even departments, fail to truly understand the domino effect created by allowing their schedule to slip.
You can minimize this problem, and improve the quality of your workforce, by making certain that they understand how their own goals, their colleagues, those of the company and its customers and vendors interact.
The biggest rewards at all levels (using whatever incentives are available) should go to those who understand the company’s goals, and ethically do whatever is necessary to achieve them—especially when they put the company’s goals ahead of their own.
None of this is rocket science.
It’s simple enough.
No matter your level, if you’re the boss communicating the vision to your team and aligning their actions with it is your responsibility.
Otherwise, the vision becomes a dream.
Image credit: Wordle
