When I first wrote this blog, it was early 2020...I thought I was being so clever thinking about the 2020 vision of all the amazing things I was going to achieve in 2020. 😂😂 You would have had to be Nostradamus to have foreseen what we were about to endure for the next 2 years, but those with a clear direction of where they were headed in January 2020 made some headway towards their goals, albeit not following the path they may have envisaged. Their vision was the foundation on which they have pivoted to stay on the track if not as far down the track as they would have liked.
Gallup’s research showed that less than 41% of employees feel that they know what their company stands for and what makes its brand different from its competitors. If you do not know where you are headed, it makes it exponentially more difficult to navigate obstacles and stay on course (mainly because you do not know your destination). A key component of having an engaged team is to share with them what they are striving for. Disseminate and, if necessary, create a tangible vision that they can feel and value working towards. Match the values of the company to that which the employee can empathise. Show the team why the vision is important, how it will be realised and what good looks like.
The vision of a company or a team or individual provides the motivation to achieve each day. It aligns productivity with a higher purpose or reason to give your best. It has the power to inspire the team towards same overarching goals and enables a feeling the accomplishment upon reaching them. When communicated effectively, a well thought out vision can also promote the company brand, be the basis of an employee value proposition thereby attracting and retaining top talent.
The stronger the employees feel aligned with the vision and values of an organisation, the higher the chances of them staying the course, assisting to overcome challenges and being happier to contribute. Effectively communicating the vision is far too often overlooked. Perhaps there is an assumption that everyone knows the vision as it is on the company website or was communicated in an email 6 months ago but something as integral to the motivation of employees as “Knowing Their Why” (thanks Simon Sinek) should not be left to written communication that is easily not read or forgotten. Bring the vision to life, make it relevant, use storytelling, gesticulate and smile when talking about the vision encouraging the team to feel how amazing it will be when they are working at a company that is living its vision. Knowledge of and belief in a tangible vision motivates employees, makes them more productive and more supportive of others working towards the same vision.
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. - Zig Zigler
A vision that is slapped on a strategy paper and hidden in the intranet offers no value. Make it real, create a 20/20 vision your team is in love with, inspired by and obsessed about achieving and they will follow you where the vision leads.
Creating a compelling vision is the cornerstone of any transformation and I break it down to help clients bring it to life in my transformational coaching packages. If you need some direction, I can help with that.
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