In my experience as a leader I found it very difficult to provide a clear direction and purpose for my team when the vision of the company was not clear or transparent enough.

• As a Project Manager I had, some sort of clear project vision which was usually defined by the contract we signed with the client. Though in the same time understanding why the client needed that project or why was it important for him and his business was not mentioned in the contract and it was what it usually made a big difference as it was allowing us, as a project team, to consult and propose the best solutions for our client.
• As a Senior Manager of the Agile Program Management Department, the project vision was not enough for me anymore. I needed to understand the company’s vision so that I can grow and develop the team in the right direction.

Having a clear vision for me as a leader and professional was extremely important and in order to achieve it I had to understand the following things:

✔️ The Importance of clear vision in leadership

Having vision refers to the ability to conceptualize and articulate a compelling and inspiring future state or direction for an organization, team, or project. It involves having a clear mental image of what the desired future looks like and effectively communicating that vision to others.

A leader’s vision serves as a guiding beacon, providing a sense of purpose and direction for their followers. It defines the organization’s long-term goals, outlines the desired outcomes, and helps shape strategic decisions and actions. A strong vision can motivate and align people, inspiring them to work towards a common objective and driving organizational success.

✔️ What if as a leader within a company, I am not clear about the company’s vision? What should I do?

Being in a leadership position within a company while not understanding or having a clear idea about it’s vision might feel stressful, it might bring a lot of pressure, it might make you constantly wonder weather you took the right decision in a certain situation or weather you have provided the correct answer. It can be tough as leader to be in this position but in the same time it is a situation that happens pretty often and it doesn’t mean you have to give up on this powerful driver for you and your team. Having a vision that is shared with your team means having a goal towards each of you and all of you together will direct your efforts. The vision should answer the question “Why are we doing this?”, “Why are we here?”, “Where are we going with this?”, “What is our goal?” etc.

So in case you find yourself in this situation here are some actions you can take:

1. Seek Information: Start by gathering information about the company’s vision. Review any available strategic plans, mission statements, or other relevant documents. Consult internal resources such as company newsletters, annual reports, or internal communications to gain insights into the organization’s direction.
2. Engage in Dialogue: Initiate conversations with key stakeholders within the company. This could include executives, colleagues, or team members who may have a better understanding of the vision. Ask questions, seek clarification, and actively listen to different perspectives to piece together a clearer picture.
3. Talk to Your Supervisor: Reach out to your immediate supervisor or manager to discuss your concerns. Express your desire to understand and align with the company’s vision. Seek their guidance and insights, as they may have more information or resources to share.
4. Seek Mentoring or Coaching: If available, seek out a mentor or coach who can provide guidance and support. They can help you navigate the complexities of understanding the company’s vision and offer insights based on their experience.
5. Participate in Training or Development Programs: Many organizations offer training programs or workshops to help employees understand and align with the company’s vision. Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your understanding and gain clarity.
6. Analyze Company Actions and Decisions: Observe the actions, decisions, and strategies of the company. While the vision may not be explicitly stated, it can often be inferred from the organization’s priorities, goals, and patterns of behavior. Analyze these elements to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying vision.
7. Connect with the Leadership Team: If appropriate, consider reaching out to members of the leadership team or executives directly. Request a meeting or ask for clarification on the company’s vision. They can provide valuable insights and ensure you are aligned with the organization’s strategic direction.
8. Take Initiative: In the absence of a clear company vision, you can take the initiative to develop your own vision within your area of responsibility. Identify your team’s purpose, goals, and desired outcomes, and ensure they align with the broader objectives of the organization. Communicate this vision to your team, so they understand the direction and can contribute to the overall vision as well.

✔️ Leadership without direction and vision

If you don’t have a clear vision for yourself and your team or project as a leader, it can lead to several negative consequences:

1. Lack of Direction: Without a clear vision, you and your team may lack a sense of direction and purpose. This can result in confusion and uncertainty about goals, priorities, and the overall path forward.
2. Lack of Alignment: A clear vision helps align the efforts of team members towards a common objective. Without it, individuals may pursue different or conflicting goals, leading to fragmentation and inefficiency.
3. Reduced Motivation: A compelling vision inspires and motivates people by providing a sense of purpose and meaning. Without a clear vision, team members may struggle to find the motivation to give their best effort, leading to decreased productivity and engagement.
4. Ineffective Decision-Making: A clear vision guides decision-making by providing a framework for evaluating options and determining the best course of action. Without it, decision-making can become ad hoc, reactive, and inconsistent, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
5. Difficulty in Setting Priorities: Without a clear vision, it can be challenging to prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively. This can result in wasted efforts, missed opportunities, and a lack of focus on critical areas.
6. Communication Challenges: A vision serves as a communication tool to convey the desired future state and inspire others. Without a clear vision, it becomes difficult to communicate expectations, strategies, and progress effectively, leading to misunderstandings and misalignment.
7. Missed Opportunities for Innovation: A strong vision encourages innovation and forward-thinking. Without one, you may miss opportunities to identify new ideas, explore alternative approaches, and adapt to changing market conditions.
8. Lack of Leadership Credibility: A leader’s credibility is closely tied to their ability to articulate and pursue a clear vision. Without a vision, your leadership effectiveness may be questioned, and others may lose confidence in your ability to lead and inspire.

To mitigate these consequences, it is crucial to develop a clear vision by reflecting on the purpose, goals, and desired outcomes of your team or project. Engage in strategic thinking, seek input from stakeholders, and ensure your vision aligns with the broader objectives of the organization. Communicate the vision clearly to your team and continuously reinforce it through actions, decisions, and regular feedback. A clear vision will provide a strong foundation for success, helping you and your team navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and achieve meaningful results.

✔️ What are the benefits of having a clear vision?

Having a clear vision offers several benefits for leaders, teams, and organizations. Here are some key advantages:

1. Direction and Focus: A clear vision provides a sense of direction and focus. It defines the desired future state and outlines the path to achieve it. This clarity helps align efforts, set priorities, and guide decision-making, ensuring everyone is working towards a common objective.
2. Motivation and Engagement: A compelling vision inspires and motivates individuals. It creates a sense of purpose, meaning, and excitement about the work they are doing. When people can see the bigger picture and understand how their contributions contribute to the vision, they become more engaged and committed.
3. Alignment and Cohesion: A clear vision brings people together and fosters unity. It aligns team members around a shared purpose, values, and goals. This alignment enhances collaboration, cooperation, and communication within the team, leading to improved teamwork and productivity.
4. Decision-Making and Strategy: A vision serves as a guiding framework for decision-making. It helps leaders evaluate options, assess risks, and make informed choices that align with the desired future. A clear vision also supports strategic planning and enables leaders to develop effective strategies and initiatives that move the organization forward.
5. Resilience and Adaptability: A well-defined vision provides resilience and adaptability. It gives teams and organizations a sense of purpose during challenging times, allowing them to navigate obstacles, overcome setbacks, and stay focused on long-term goals. A clear vision also enables flexibility, as it can be adjusted and adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining the overall direction.
6. Attraction and Retention of Talent: A compelling vision acts as a powerful magnet for talent. It attracts individuals who resonate with the vision and want to contribute to its realization. A clear vision can also improve employee retention, as it provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose, reducing the likelihood of burnout or disengagement.
7. Innovation and Creativity: A clear vision encourages innovation and creativity. It inspires individuals to think beyond the status quo, explore new ideas, and take calculated risks. When people understand the vision, they feel empowered to challenge conventional thinking and find innovative solutions to problems.
8. Stakeholder Engagement: A clear vision helps engage stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and partners. It provides a compelling narrative that stakeholders can rally behind, fostering loyalty, trust, and support for the organization’s mission and goals.

Overall, a clear vision serves as a powerful tool for leaders to drive organizational success. It provides direction, motivation, and alignment, enabling teams and organizations to thrive, adapt, and achieve their desired outcomes.

✔️ How can I develop a clear vision as a leader??

By following the steps below, you can provide a clear vision that inspires, guides, and aligns your team toward achieving shared goals and organizational success:

1. Understand the Big Picture: Gain a thorough understanding of the organization’s overall vision, goals, and strategic direction. This will help you align your team’s vision with the broader objectives of the organization.
2. Reflect and Define: Take time to reflect on your team’s purpose, goals, and desired outcomes. Define a clear and compelling vision that aligns with the organization’s vision and resonates with your team members. Ensure that the vision is specific, inspiring, and achievable.
3. Communicate Effectively: Clearly communicate the vision to your team in a way that is easily understandable and relatable. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and provide real-life examples to illustrate the vision. Ensure that team members understand how their individual roles contribute to the overall vision.
4. Engage in Dialogue: Foster open and honest communication with your team members. Encourage them to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the vision. Actively listen to their input, address their questions, and involve them in shaping the vision. This collaborative approach enhances ownership and commitment.
5. Provide Context and Rationale: Help your team members understand the why behind the vision. Explain the context, challenges, and opportunities that the vision addresses. Provide the rationale and benefits of pursuing the vision, and how it aligns with the team’s and organization’s success.
6. Break It Down: Break the vision down into actionable goals, objectives, and milestones. Establish a roadmap that outlines the steps needed to achieve the vision. Ensure that team members have clarity on the immediate priorities and how they connect to the long-term vision.
7. Support and Empower: Provide the necessary support, resources, and development opportunities for your team members to achieve the vision. Empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Regularly review progress, provide feedback, and offer guidance to keep everyone on track.
8. Lead by Example: Be a role model for the vision by embodying its principles and behaviors. Demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, and integrity in pursuing the vision. Encourage and recognize team members who exemplify the vision in their work.
9. Continuous Reinforcement: Keep the vision alive and relevant by continuously reinforcing it in team meetings, one-on-one discussions, and through regular communication channels. Celebrate milestones and achievements that align with the vision, reinforcing its importance.
10. Adapt and Iterate: As circumstances change, be open to revisiting and refining the vision. Solicit feedback from your team and stakeholders and make adjustments as necessary. A clear vision should be adaptable to evolving needs and emerging opportunities.

So what’s your next step on providing a clear vision for your team?