INSPIRING VISIONS ARE SIMPLE & CLEAR. PERIOD.
The word "vision" should evoke positive emotions and feelings, right? It's a look into the future that is compelling and exciting. Unfortunately, most visions and vision statements contain confusing and boring clutter instead of inspiring clarity.
You don't have to look far for examples. We randomly selected two Fortune 500 companies and was not disappointed. Make sure your coffee or tea is full before reading below!
General Motors - Our vision is to be the world leader in transportation products and related services. In order to achieve this vision, we recognize that many issues must be addressed and many goals attained. It is imperative that economic, environmental and social objectives be integrated into our daily business objectives and future planning activities so that we can become a more sustainable company.
Northrup Grumman - Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of systems and technologies that ensure the security and freedom of our nation and its allies. As the technology leader, we will define the future of defense—from undersea to outer space, and in cyberspace.
We will —
Conduct ourselves with integrity and live our Company Values
Deliver superior program performance
Foster an internal environment of innovation, collaboration, and trust
In so doing, Northrop Grumman will become our customers' partner of choice, our industry's employer of choice, and our shareholders' investment of choice.
Are you still awake? We are just barely and we knew it was coming!
Both visions above violate core tenents of a powerful vision. These visions are:
Long
Boring
Void of emotion or feeling
Filled with meaningless buzz words (e.g. trusted provider)
After reading vision statements like this, you almost feel like a part of you died in the process! To really put it into context, think about how excited you'd be to see one of these vision statements at your onboarding class as a new employee. Wouldn't you be filled with enthusiasm and excitement? We didn't think so!
If your current vision looks frighteningly similar to GM's or NG's, don't despair! There is hope!
The key components of an inspiring vision are as follows:
Simple
One sentence or phrase
Visual image of a future state
Creates energy, enthusiasm
Evokes positive emotions
Connects with the mission
Easy to remember
If the vision isn't clear, exciting and compelling, why should employees engage in achieving it? A simple question that is not asked or answered enough.
Some of our favorite visions of all time are as follows:
Ford (early 1900’s) - Democratize the automobile
Stanford (1940’s) - Become the Harvard of the West
Nike (1960’s) – Crush Adidas
Microsoft (1980’s) – A computer on every desk and in every home running Microsoft software
Nelson Mandela - One team, one country
An Illiteracy Program - In two decades, our services will no longer be needed
As you can see, you can pack a lot of punch into a few words and that's what you want in a vision.........power through simplicity.
Next Steps
First, be clear on the importance of an inspiring vision so it doesn't become a meaningless plaque on the wall. Make sure:
it's a mental picture of the future that evokes positive emotions
it provides direction towards a future state that is desirable, exciting and memorable for the entire organization
Second, create or rework your vision by incorporating all the keys to an inspiring vision. This will be hard! Stay true to these keys and DO NOT make concessions. The results will be well worth the effort.
Think you have an inspiring vision? Please share yours below in the comment section so other members can benefit.