What is your vision? How is this vision communicated to

inspire you and your organisation? You don't have a clear

and powerful vision? Join the club. When I'm working

with individuals, I've noticed that generally they fall

into two distinct categories regarding having a strong

vision. Either they've never really had the opportunity

to understand the concept of having or defining their

vision. Or they have a vision statement because they

think they 'should'. Remember, 'shoulds' represent

other people's expectations and therefore not things to

which you a personally committed.

The one thing I've noticed in my work is that very few

individuals or organisations really harness the power

generated by a strong vision. Clear definition of your

vision acts as a magnet to pull you forward in the

direction you truly want to take. Your vision provides

inspiration for you and, if communicated well to your

team or organisation, inspires them too.

What do you refer to when you want to make decisions, when

you have to decide which opportunities to say 'yes' or

'no' to, or which direction to go with your business?

When you have a strong vision in place and refer to it

regularly, it helps to resolve the conflict which can occur

within you.

Teams or organisations who have a powerful vision, inspire

individuals to pull together. It's so much easier for

everyone when they all know clearly where they're heading.

Many organisations publish mission statements but often,

these hold no real meaning for the individuals within the

organisation. A strong vision and a clear mission

statement go together like 'bread and butter'. The

components of a mission statement stem from having a clear

vision to start the process. Individuals and organisations

can define their mission and purpose with more meaning and

clarity if they are provided with a powerful vision. A

strong vision challenges people to achieve more and

encourages them to think 'out of the box'. It inspires you

and the people you work with.

Your vision is unique to you and will vary from individual

to individual. It propels you forward naturally, rather

than relying on motivation alone, which doesn't usually last.

A vision helps to keep you on track and focused on where

you're heading. What I want for you is a vision which grabs

you so strongly that it stretches you way beyond your current

position. I've found that with a strong vision there isn't

the need to strive so hard and the energy required doesn't

drain you so much. It allows you to focus on your

achievements in the present because a vision doesn't have an

end which you reach, like a goal. The energy generated by a

vision is much healthier and requires less of a struggle.

A vision draws on your natural energy which comes from within

you because this is where your vision sits. When aligned

with your values, a vision and a mission statement feel truly

yours and right for you. In short, a perfect fit.

If you have a vision for your organisation, I encourage you

to consider this. If 3 of your top employees were asked to

share your vision, would they be able to? If not, what would

it take to communicate this throughout the organisation?

What benefits do you see for your employees in clearly

understanding your vision?

Many times, people say "I wish", but unfortunately wishing

alone rarely makes things happen. However, a strong vision

can really accomplish a great dealFeature Articles, and often more than you'd

dared to dream of.