women's voting rights
LEADERSHIP ACUMEN
Issue 24 – December 2005
© Doug Macnamara & Banff Executive Leadership Inc.
Where Does Vision Come From?
The world will stand aside for those with a compelling Vision and a convincing plan for how to get there.
Vision – or a picture of a future state that we are pursuing – is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit.
Far from being just consultant-speak, Vision is what moves us all forward – improving, adapting, progressing, in a world constantly in flux.
Our communities need it, some even thirst for it; as Vision provides context in which to make decisions, settle disagreements, and for individuals to build their careers.
And, while we often talk about vision as if it is a straightforward thing; creating, communicating and energizing people around a compelling picture of the future is not an easy task.
Un certain je ne sais quoi
For over 10 years now I have interviewed people acknowledged by others to be excellent leaders. They have come from business, the arts, medicine, the clergy, politicians and senior civil servants, social activists, educators, the military and more.
The number one trait that distinguishes these exemplary leaders from others is, in fact, “energy” – the ability to manage their own energy as well as the ability to infuse others with energy.
The second most significant trait however, is Vision. The ability to clearly articulate where their organization/community/profession needed to go for the next few years in order to distinguish itself, solve the problems they faced, or just “survive” amid the relentless competitive pressures and release of new, valuable products or services; plus their ability to engage others to assist in achieving that vision.
On the flip side I have witnessed many people in the position of authority (CEO’s, political leaders, etc.) who try to cling to authority without any sense of Vision. Indeed – I suspect we have all witnessed individuals in such positions –
Issue 24 – December 2005
© Doug Macnamara & Banff Executive Leadership Inc.
Where Does Vision Come From?
The world will stand aside for those with a compelling Vision and a convincing plan for how to get there.
Vision – or a picture of a future state that we are pursuing – is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit.
Far from being just consultant-speak, Vision is what moves us all forward – improving, adapting, progressing, in a world constantly in flux.
Our communities need it, some even thirst for it; as Vision provides context in which to make decisions, settle disagreements, and for individuals to build their careers.
And, while we often talk about vision as if it is a straightforward thing; creating, communicating and energizing people around a compelling picture of the future is not an easy task.
Un certain je ne sais quoi
For over 10 years now I have interviewed people acknowledged by others to be excellent leaders. They have come from business, the arts, medicine, the clergy, politicians and senior civil servants, social activists, educators, the military and more.
The number one trait that distinguishes these exemplary leaders from others is, in fact, “energy” – the ability to manage their own energy as well as the ability to infuse others with energy.
The second most significant trait however, is Vision. The ability to clearly articulate where their organization/community/profession needed to go for the next few years in order to distinguish itself, solve the problems they faced, or just “survive” amid the relentless competitive pressures and release of new, valuable products or services; plus their ability to engage others to assist in achieving that vision.
On the flip side I have witnessed many people in the position of authority (CEO’s, political leaders, etc.) who try to cling to authority without any sense of Vision. Indeed – I suspect we have all witnessed individuals in such positions –