Vision and Leading Organizations

A vision is important for followers because it charts a strategic course for the organization beyond what others thought was possible and beyond what others consider ordinary—a vision can be a source of motivation (Kouzes & Posner, 2002). A vision can provide followers something with which they can identify, believe in, and work toward completing. A vision can paint an inspiring picture, point toward a new future, and dramatize an important new direction for the company, providing a concrete representation of where the leader is trying to take the organization.

The importance of envisioning the future for leaders is that it posits what is now imaginary for the organization but that can be made real. Very little progress is made without someone imagining a better future for the organization. The author cannot help but quote a passage from the Old Testament of the Bible in this instance: “Without prophetic vision people run wild, but blessed are those who follow God's teachings.” (Proverbs 29:18, God’s Word Translation). Although this verse is referring to guidance from God, the message is the same: people need a clear, far-reaching picture of where they need to be heading, and it is incumbent upon leaders to provide that vision.

Admittedly, organizational behavior theorists suggest that to focus all collective energies, the organization must have a mission statement. Regardless of the organizational context, we often substitute words like purpose, mission, legacy, dream, goal, calling or even personal agenda, but all of those terms imply the accomplishment of some goal beyond the status quo. Although once mocked by CEOs, the term vision and the way in which a vision is communicated has to be part of the CEO’s job, with more employees, stockholders and customers expecting corporate leaders to envision and communicate where they see the company going in the future.

Reference

Kouzes, J.M., & Posner, B.Z. (2002). The leadership challenge (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.