Welcome to “Communication Inspires and Empowers,” where we embark on a journey of leadership development and growth. In this post, we delve into the art of visionary leadership, exploring how you, as a corporate communications professional, can help business leaders articulate compelling visions and set ambitious goals for their teams that inspire higher engagement.
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision.
– Theodore Hesburgh, an American Catholic priest and academic, best known for his service as the president of the University of Notre Dame
Imagine and Cultivate Your Vision
Whether you’re creating a vision for yourself, collaborating to articulate a vision with your team or facilitating a session with leaders you support, allow sufficient time and space to imagine.
Having a vision is critically important to establishing more meaning in our lives, personally and professionally.
Purpose has a transformative effect on us, especially at work. Studies show that those who feel a sense of purpose at work report being more satisfied and excited about their job and have a stronger connection and more engagement with their organization, compared to workers who feel less fulfilled at work.
Each of has a vision. We may each call it a dream, a wish or a hope. The difference between a vision and the latter is a combination of commitment and well-directed action, but it all begins in our mind’s eye… our imagination.
- Embrace an Infinite Mindset: Visionary leaders understand that goals are checkpoints, not final destinations. Goals are part of the process, a means to an end – not the end itself. Additionally, foster an infinite mindset so that your vision inspires action which leads to growth.
- Strive for Continuous Growth: Focus on incremental and continuous improvement. When you understand that we’re on a journey, you have a different perspective. Sure, there may be times when you have to sprint, but when you know you’re playing the long game… you pace yourself and are more realistic about setting target dates.
Paint a Vivid Picture
Visualization is the process of creating a mental image of a desired outcome. When we visualize something, we activate the same areas of the brain that are active when we experience that outcome in reality. Visualization helps us prepare for a desired outcome and dramatically increases the likelihood of it becoming a reality.
The trick, if there is one, to visualization is to involve as many senses – sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing – as possible. The process of visualizing directs your subconscious to be aware of the goal you have in mind.
Our bodies are hardwired to respond to our minds. Change your mind and your body will follow.
– Al Viller
- Articulate a Clear Vision: Explore the importance of leaders crafting a vivid vision for their teams. Help them communicate this vision effectively, weaving it into the fabric of organizational culture.
- Be specific, use present tense and engage your emotions: The more specific you are, the easier it is to visualize what you desire with detail and clarity. Articulate your vision using present-tense words as if it’s already realized. Also, feel the joy, excitement and fulfillment that come with accomplishing what you desire.
- Align Goals with Vision, not the other way around: Illustrate the significance of aligning individual and team goals with the overarching vision. This fosters a sense of purpose and unity, driving collective success.
To test your vision, read it out loud. If you or your team physically feel something or some sort of positive emotional response, then you’ve hit the mark. If not, then let the work continue. The last thing you want is words on a wall, or worse, dropped in the desk drawer never to see the light of day again.
Foster Collaborative Goal Setting
It’s easier to create goals in a vacuum, pull the team together and say “Go!” However, it’s more effective to develop collaborative goals along with clear and achievable objectives together with your team and then say, “Let’s Go!”
Teamwork makes the dream work.
– John C. Maxwell, an American author and speaker primarily focusing on leadership
- Inclusive Goal-Setting: Advocate for collaborative goal-setting, involving team members in the process. This cultivates a sense of ownership and motivates everyone towards a shared vision.
- SMART Goals Approach: Guide them in crafting goals with action verbs, ensuring they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This strategic framework aligns goals with the broader vision.
- Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate not only the achievement of goals but also the journey. Didn’t quite hit the target? Keep it positive and celebrate the progress. Recognize and appreciate the collective effort, fostering a positive and motivated team spirit.
As you embark on the path of becoming a visionary leader, remember that your role as a communicator is pivotal. By empowering other leaders to articulate compelling visions and set ambitious goals, you contribute to a thriving organizational ecosystem.
Here’s to imagining the possibilities and unlocking the extraordinary in the ordinary through visionary leadership!
Inspire on!