They go hand-in-hand.
With it, a leader can be highly effective.
Without it, well, quite the opposite.
Have you been in leadership, or have seen effective and even ineffective leadership?
I have.
And I have been on both sides of the game.
I’ve been the recipient, and I’ve been the donor.
Following is some quick tips and reminders to take with you in your leadership journey.
1. Bring the vision to them.
Many times we can fail in leadership right off the bat because we don’t bring the vision. Leadership includes vision and not all in a team possess it. If you are the leader, it’s your duty to communicate the vision to your team.
Remember: Don’t expect them to “have” it.
Some leaders are good with creating vision, others are good with caring for it, while some are better communicating the vision. A leader of leaders must be able to do all three. When you bring your team together, be sure to bring the vision with you. That’s why they are there, to be lead. Lead them.
John C. Maxwell writes in Developing the Leader Within You,
One of the most common questions asked by those in leadership position is: “How do I get a vision for my organization?” This question is crucial. Until it is answered, a person will be a leader in name only.
2. Bring them to the vision.
Failure in leadership also lies in not bringing your people to the vision. This happens often in a dictating leadership role, where others are told what to do, no questions ask. This is unhealthy leadership. Leaders must bring their people to a place of understanding the vision. It’s not enough to just “speak” it and then “expect” results.
Remember: Don’t expect them to “get” it.
Forget not that the vision you are bringing to your followers is one that did not originate with them. Some may be able to connect rather quickly, but not all. Don’t leave anyone behind, instead lead them by bringing them to the vision you brought to the table.
3. Invite them along side you.
Another mistake in leadership is when the leader withdraws from action. Removing yourself from the necessary work that the vision demands is like a husband dreaming with his wife about having children and doing nothing about it. True, delegation is essential, but not so much that you show no signs of action. Not only do you bring the vision, and bring them to the vision, but you must show them how it’s done.
Remember: Don’t expect them to know how to do it.
Some people know how to take a vision and run with it—others don’t. If you are leading an team into some vision, let them see what that vision looks like in action by being the example of that action. Not only do people need to be inspired and invited, but they also need taught. Many times that teaching comes by hands-on training.
What are some ways you have lead others in vision? How have you seen others lead well out of vision? Leave a comment below.
—Jonathan
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I tend to be a visionary, but I’m poor at execution. So I have to surround myself with admin titans.
Also, exceptional visionaries also need to spell out the vision in no-nonsense terms that benefit those who will actually do the work. And they need to do this often.
It’s quite surprising how this alone can motivate people. I’ve seen it work on me. And I’ve seen it work on those who work for me.
You have a good point. Some people have the gift of leadership but not execution. I am this way some times. The important thing is that we do what we can and not shy away from it.
I would like to here more about "spelling out the vision." Hold on, that smells like a blog topic. Da-ding! There's your post, bro. I can see it now: "Guest writer, Demian Farnworth, introduces new series, 'Spelling out the vision'."
It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
My recent post Leadership and Vision
please send this to washington!
You think they will listen?
My recent post Leadership and Vision
Penciling it into my schedule as we speak…
*smiles*
You're awesome.