It’s amazing how many times I work with companies on their business strategy and the first question I ask is can you share with me your business vision? Most of the time the response I get is “we are going to the be largest…….in Australia” or “we are going to be the leading…..in Australia”. I know what you’re thinking….vision is a big picture or creative process that’s about having a dream and as Jim Collins said a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”. This is true in some respect but the next question I ask is why do you want this picture?

Its at this point I usually get a blank look on their faces or a real struggle to find an answer that feels right. Why do I get this blank look?…. Because there is no emotional connection to the vision……. and when there’s no emotional connection or as I call it purpose to the vision you don’t believe or live it every day. It’s our purpose that really drives and motivates us to achieve great things in life and business. I believe without purpose it’s hard to have a clear vision that you fully believe in. Let me ask you this……if you are wanting to build a team and you have a vision that lacks emotional purpose or worse no vision at all for your business do you think your staff will fully engage or be motivated? This is a fundamental element of good leadership but that’s for another blog post.

Developing a Clear Vision

1. You need two elements:-

Firstly, what does your vision look like? This is usually the commercial element. It’s the numbers stuff like revenues, profit, staffing, timeframes, products etc. It’s also the other commercial things like branding, infrastructure, systems, locations, distribution, scale etc.

Secondly, what does your business feel like? This is what I call the cultural vision. What is the business purpose or intent or why are we doing this? What are the values and beliefs we will embody and how do we want to be in relationship with each other? The clearer you are on this the easier it will be to determine the right commercial strategies for your business to achieve your vision.

Define and document each of these areas clearly especially the cultural areas as values can often have different meanings for us all.

2. Define one or two contextual words that give your vision focus & energy:-

For example if your business vision is to sell software globally that unites communities by connecting them, then your vision contextual word might be united. You may find that these words or word is closely aligned to your purpose. Remember; your staff buy the feelings attached to a vision. They want to feel a certain way by being on this journey with you. We use this word to align our commercial strategies throughout our whole business. For example what communities need to be united? What would our customers experience if our service was united? This word can be run through all facets of your business.

3. Communicate your vision:-

Sharing your vision once with your team is not sharing your vision. You must be sharing your vision constantly. People buy your vision and passion around your vision. Share it with more than just your staff; share it with your clients, potential clients, suppliers, strategic alliances etc. Be passionate in your communication and frequent. Your team especially want to be engaged with a compelling vision that has purpose. Remember without purpose your vision is dead.

4. Develop your vision over time:-

As your business grows your vision may grow too. Each time your review your overall business strategy you should check in with your vision to see if any parts need updating and re-communicating.

Once you have a vision that you and your team are clear about you can start to build the layers of strategy needed to get you to your destination. Time to get your vision clear and accelerate to your success.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][dt_call_to_action background=”fancy” line=”true” text_align=”left”]If you would like some assistance is developing a clear vision and strategy then speak to Rohan about undertaking a vision project or strategic retreat for your business.[/dt_call_to_action][/vc_column][/vc_row]