Considering the compelling case for the value of vision, it’s strikingly absent these days.
Recent research by Kouzes and Posner demonstrates that “being forward-looking is the quality that most separates leaders from individual contributors.”
However, “it’s something that too few fully appreciate, and too many devote almost no time to developing,” says Jim Kouzes.
What happened to vision? Where has she gone?
She held so much promise 30 years ago when people like Warren Bennis, Peter Senge, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner first brought her to our attention.
Did she get worn out? Did she grow old and tired? No, it’s worse than that.
Vision has been prostituted.
- By mission statements that are no more than meaningless marketing messages – We have covered her in gaudy makeup and dressed her in stilettos …
- By using vision as an excuse from driving a change vision that does not benefit the individuals in the organization – We have given her a job that is beneath her dignity …
- By not demonstrating how the vision connects to daily life, what I call “managing the mid-space” – We see her as irrelevant …
- By leaders who espouse vision but do not model it or who act in their own self-interest – We have lost respect for her …
It’s time to take her off the street, clean off her rouge, toss the stilettos, and put her back in her rightful place.
Vision makes work meaningful and helps us see our commonalities and trust we share the same goals and values. Vision helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves.
Without a vision to serve, we are in danger of becoming self-serving.
“An organization without a clear vision or goals is like a river without banks—it stagnates and goes nowhere,” says Ken Blanchard.
Three Things You Can Do Right Now
The right vision: Stop using vision as a catchall phrase. Vision is more than a picture of a desired future. It is deeply rooted in purpose and values. Learn the three elements of a compelling vision and the characteristics of a driving vision.
The right place: Get clear about your own vision. Where your vision overlaps with your company’s vision is where the magic is. Doug Conant says, “If it doesn’t overlap, you’re in the wrong place.”
The right work: Each day ask yourself and talk with others about how what you’re doing at that moment advances the vision. If it doesn’t, you’re doing the wrong work.
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A special thank you to my guest authors for their wonderful contributions in The Value of Vision Series. If you missed any of them, I encourage you to click on their name below to read their post. Each author looked at vision from a different perspective. Together they weave a rich tapestry.
It will take a lot of work to cover up the Tatoos on this grand Lady. This article series will help. I have bookmarked each article for future use. Thanks.
Hopefully they are not permanent tattoos and we can remove them. So glad you enjoyed the series, Dan. I have appreciated the insights you’ve shared.
Thank you for this wonderful series, and I also have saved each of them – I had to smile at the ‘vision has been prostituted’ statement – powerful and unfortunately true.
Thank you for your work,
Best regards,
Carl
@SparktheAction
So glad to hear that you are saving these, Carl. It makes the effort to put this together worthwhile.
Also thanks for your comments on my own post. I’ve been waiting for two years for the right time to write this.
Excellent thoughts Jesse! My perception is that self interest has risen to the top priority for most “leaders”. We have forgotten the value of true collaboration and participative management. Keep on keeping us grounded!
Thanks, Russ. I agree that there is some serious work to be done. But I believe that the kind of leadership that puts the community above self-interest is the only kind that will get us where we need to go.
I enjoyed this vision series and I learned a lot from all articles. Thank you for sharing the wisdom of all these great leaders on such a critical issue that is often misunderstood.
So glad you enjoyed the series, Tagrid. Thanks for taking the time to write a note.
True enough, Jesse Lyn. Thanks for the metaphor I’ll be trying to purge for the next decade or so. Stiletto heels? Cripes.
I love the metaphor of the dressed up lady. Vision is here but disguised and distorted. Brilliant. Helps me see concrete steps to reconnect my own employees to our company vision. Thanks Jesse!
Thanks, Noah. Often leaders think they need wait until their vision is clear before they discuss it with others. However, it is through the conversation that deeper clarity and connection emerges, not only for the leader, but for all involved. Wishing you the best as you make your vision a reality!
Jesse, all your guests were superb- and this post is the icing on a fabulous cake. I just tweeted this: “Without a vision to serve, we are in danger of becoming self-serving.” Maybe we should tattoo this on the forehead of every CEO and politician.
And now the image of vision as a “street walker”, a prostitute, just breaks my heart. Her “johns” have overlooked her inner beauty, her intelligence, and her integrity. I know your work and words can help redeem her soul– but only if those of us who teach and facilitate leadership conversations can provoke the thinking and action of those whom we also touch.
Thanks, Jesse. Very well done.
Eileen, Thanks so much for your steadfast support and for your brilliant contributions that extend the conversation.
Bold statement! It’s very true that most organizations have a fake made-up vision, rather than a real one in the hearts and minds of their employees. How can we fix this?
Great question, Charlotte. There’s not a quick simple answer, but the place to start is to keep asking the question.
Thanks Jesse…vision always answers the question of “where are we going”
It is so critical to all futures
Please write the book!
Hi Jesse
This whole series has been just great! Thanks for your hard work in pulling it all together. I know it’s given me a different perspective on what vision means and how to properly put it to use!
LaRae
Vision is both glue and compass. Thanks for posting this. My frustration these days is it seems more like wallpaper in most organizations. j
One thought on “getting her off the streets.” I think employees will never take a vision seriously unless it comes from people who treat them well. My fiancé who works for CVS Pharmacy always makes fun of CVS “vision statements.” Because CVS doesn’t treat him well, he has a poor opinion of the leadership and everything that comes from them. Most low-paid employees of big companies are the same, I think. Talk to them about vision and they’ll desperately restrain the urge to roll their eyes and groan.
Indeed. It’s amazing to me how many company visions don’t include the people in the organization. I always wonder who they think is going to implement the vision.
Way to go, Jesse Lyn! I also love (and have just tweeted) that line: “Vision has been prostituted.”
And you know who’s out there, keeping vision company? Thought leadership. In fact, you could almost substitute one for the other in your post. Fifteen years ago when Joel Kurtman coined the phrase, it held so much promise, capturing (as it did then) the thoughtful insights of the likes of Warren Bennis, Charles Handy, Gary Hamel and John Kao, to name but a few.
Only in this case too MANY have failed to appreciate what’s actually involved in carving out a strategically-focused, unique point of view. They, too, devote almost no time to developing the thinking necessary to be recognized and valued for their earned authority.
Just today my co-author, Craig Badings, posted an blog interview with Robert Caruso, CEO of Bundle Post who, when asked for his definition of a thought leader answered: “Frankly, I try to stay clear of the term myself. It has become so overused and by many that lead with thoughts on things they have never really done, yet have generated a celebrity status within social media. I truly believe that such terms will aid in the demise of social media, similar to the dot Bomb if we aren’t careful.”
And if my comment ever gets moderated, I responded to an article in Fast Company that purports to offer six tactics for moving from “Anonymous hermit to thought leader” without any mention of deep thinking, passion, a unique perspective or courageously advocating for anything that matters (beyond wanting to call yourself a thought leader).
So, yes, I’d love it if people would stop using terms like innovation, vision and thought leadership as catchalls for just showing up. Since when did we become so desperate that we have to self-appoint ourselves as visionaries and thought leaders without having done anything extraordinary?
Still, I guess we should take solace in the fact that these “old gals” are walking the streets together…saves them getting lonely, right?
Excellent series, Jesse Lyn — I look forward to more.
Well said, Liz! This is a dangerous phenomena – the co-opting of key drivers of advancement, like vision, thought-leadership, and strategy. It seems to be happening right now with innovation and creativity, and I suspect will occur with neuroscience and mindfulness. When we popularize something, the second wave wants to own it and to be seen as an expert without doing original work. Often we lose sight of the real experts. And then when wrong action is taken in the name of this idea, stories emerge of how it’s not working, and eventually it is seen as not relevant anymore. Not sure what the answer is, but naming the issue is important. And you have done an excellent job of that. Please share the link to your comment in the Fast Company article when it is moderated.
It’s already happened with neuroscience, sadly, Jesse Lyn: http://www.uncommondescent.com/media/neuroscientists’-protest-letter-against-neurotrash-published-in-new-york-times/ – love that term “neurotrash” — we should come up with something similar on behalf of vision, innovation, and thought leadership, lol.
As for the Fast Company article…they’re either REALLY slow or didn’t like my response. Well, I like to be provocative (or is it just “telling it like it is?” as you do). Anyway, here’s the article: http://www.fastcompany.com/3014347/leadership-now/6-ways-to-go-from-anonymous-hermit-to-thought-leader. Thoughts?
Very interesting LIz. Thanks for the link to the NYTimes protest letter about “neuro-trash” signed by 45(!) neuroscientists.
The Fast Company article is interesting also. The author redefined “thought leadership” as being “the most receptive and understanding of your customers’ needs.” No mention of original thought or big picture thinking. I can understand your dismay. I hope they do publish your comment, and thanks for sharing it here.
So many great points here it is hard to know where to start! But one thing strikes me strongly: when everyone has a vision and they are pretty much the same as each other then they have become nothing special. Almost a tick box of management jargon! Time as you say to kick off the stilettos! I agree that vision is firmly rooted in values and purpose but i would go one step further: vision is about legacy – what will be different long after you are gone. This is where great vision makers start and they have no need for rouge!
Excellent point! The generic “God, Mother and Apple Pie” vision is hardly inspiring and provides no guidance for decision making. The question is – what will be different? how will the world be a better place? This is true at a personal level as well as at an organizational level. I think you might enjoy my post about Alfred’s Wake Up Call, it’s one of my favorites. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insights, Andy.
I love your post (the whole series really)and have been thinking about it – My take is that there’s a Maslow’s Hierarchy for companies and most have been pushed down lower on the pyramid, to levels having more to do with survival since the crash. Maybe she’s taken to the streets out of desperation or like Scarlett dressed up in the drapery she’s making do. But there is always hope for tomorrow!