Vision....any Value?

What does the word “vision” mean to you? In part, American Heritage Dictionary defines it as: Unusual competence in discernment or perception; intelligent foresight. If any of you are doing any reading on Management or Leadership…likely you are hearing more and more about vision, (including leadership and change). The ability to move an organization (Division/Unit/Team) forward requires this core component. Are these abilities limited to top level executives or managers? I would offer….Absolutely not! If they were, then we wouldn’t be doing a very good job of preparing for the future. In fact these abilities are present in every level and every walk of life. Leaders are NOT just top level folks.

So what does this have to do with you? I believe each and every employee can contribute to moving Conservation forward in some way. Many of you possess the ability to contribute from every single level of this Organization…..should you choose to do so. How so? ….well by looking more closely at visioning and understanding what it really is….then perhaps you can make use of it in the work you have to do also….from your daily work tasks, your family planning….your life.

So what is the “right vision?” Well, a look into what the “right vision is” was revealed by Nanus (1992), he maintains that it has five characteristics:
1) attracts commitment and energizes people
2) creates meaning in people/workers lives
3) establishes a standard of excellence
4) bridges the present to the future
5) transcends the status quo.

A vision should inspire people to work to make it a reality and it should also motivate people to become a part of the team…to help reach that common goal. Do you have that? Do you expect that to come from someone else? We all have a responsibility to make efforts towards doing the absolute best job we can…in whatever position we have in this Org. If we do that…then I believe we are adding value and if we believe enough in what we do for Conservation then we can become visionary…. Visionary Leadership isn’t just something one is born with….it IS something that can be acquired. But, it takes time, commitment, dedication and EFFORT!

Can you “see” the value in using vision to improve your work?