Building a Shared Vision: Key Elements and Benefits
What is the Vision?
We define the vision as the idea or set of ideas that propel a forward-looking organization. A clear vision communicates the future of the organization to all stakeholders and encourages creativity in all activities conducted within and outside the company.
Who Defines the Vision?
The vision is conceived by the group of shareholders and senior management. However, these owners and managers should consider ideas and views from employees at all levels.
Defining the Vision
We must establish a future to be achieved in the development of the organization, identify strategic issues to focus on, and correctly evaluate the path and review the objectives.
What is an Interesting Common Vision?
A vision is truly shared when leaders have common ideas about that vision and feel moved by a mutual interest. There is a connection between this common vision and the aspirations of achievement that each person holds.
What is a Shared Vision?
A shared vision is a force in people’s hearts, a force of awesome power, a sense of ownership and commitment. A shared vision arouses the commitment of many people because it reflects their personal views.
When is a Vision Truly Shared?
When people share a vision, they are connected and linked by a common aspiration that leads to better results than expected.
Is There a Shared Vision for the Organization?
A shared vision awakens the commitment of many people because it reflects their personal views.
Why People Share a Vision
Shared visions derive their power from a common interest. People seek shared vision because of the desire to feel connected to important tasks, satisfy the need to interact with others, share different experiences, and achieve desired goals.
What a Shared Vision Achieves in the Organization
A shared vision is achieved when the company is no longer “theirs” but “ours.” It is the first step to ensuring that people who distrust each other begin to work together and create a common identity.
Shared Vision is Vital for a Smart Organization
A shared vision provides focus and energy for learning. There is no learning organization without a shared vision. Without a goal that people want to achieve, the forces behind the status quo can be overwhelming. The vision sets a goal that encompasses everything.
What is the Foundation of Shared Visions?
Personal mastery is the main foundation of a shared vision. The shared vision can generate creative tension levels that transcend the comfort levels of the individual.
Leading Role of Shared Vision
Leaders who want to build a shared vision must be willing to continually share their personal visions and ask, “Follow me?”
Readiness, Commitment, and Compliance: Possible Attitudes
- Commitment: We want the vision. We achieve it. We create the necessary structures.
- Enlistment: We want the vision. We will do what is possible within the spirit of the law.
- Genuine Compliance: We see the benefits of the vision. We do everything expected and more. We follow the letter of the law.
- Formal Compliance: We see the benefits of the vision. We do what is expected and nothing more.
- Reluctant Compliance: We do not see the benefits of the vision, but we do not want to lose our jobs. We do almost everything that is expected of us because we have to, but we are not part of it.
- Disobedience: We do not see the benefits of the vision and do not do what is expected. “I will not, you cannot force me.”
- Apathy: We are not for or against the vision. We show no interest or energy. “Is it time to leave?”