In the ABC’s of creating a successful organization, there is a certain recipe or path that you must follow to achieve success. The most important path is called the six steps to success. These six steps must be followed, applied and mastered in order to become successful in any business or organization.
The first of these steps is called Mastery. Mastery is the foundation of any business. Mastery consists of four components; that being Money Mastery knowing your numbers, Time Mastery being efficient and intentional with your time, Delivery Mastery delivering your products and services with consistency and Destination Mastery knowing where you are going with your organization. That is where the Vision of your organization comes in. Your Vision is simply the purpose and overall direction of which your organization is heading. It’s like plugging the location into your GPS that creates the big picture to follow.
The following steps are in order of; Niche, Leverage, Team, Synergy, and Results. Results are your end victory of where you sell it, replicate it, franchise it, take it public or whatever your vision of the organization was in the beginning.
As an owner of a business, a leader of an organization or a coach of a sports team there always has to be a created vision of where you going. With a clear vision properly articulated to your team, you will be able to create an energetic and passionate group that will be willing to compete every day on every play.
Why is this important? This is important because before you can ever get any organization excelling to the pace that you want it to go – you first have to be clear on your vision. When you and the entire team is clear and enrolled in the vision and direction of the company everyone will bring that extra bit of energy and ownership to the equation each and every day. On the flip side if your organization does not have a clear vision it and your team will most likely just float from day to day.
In any organization when you begin the process of strategic planning, visioning should always come first. When visioning the change, ask yourself, “What is our preferred future?” and be sure to:
- Draw on the beliefs, mission, and culture of the organization.
- Describe what you want to see in the future.
- Be specific to the organizational outcome.
- Be positive and inspiring.
- Be open to dramatic modifications to current organization, methodology, teaching techniques, facilities, etc.
Key Components for Your Vision
Incorporate Your Beliefs
Your vision must be encompassed by your beliefs.
- Your beliefs must meet your organizational goals as well as community goals.
- Your beliefs are a statement of your values.
- Your beliefs are a public/visible declaration of your expected outcomes.
- Your beliefs must be precise and practical.
- Your beliefs will guide the actions of all involved.
- Your beliefs reflect the knowledge, philosophy, and actions of all.
- Your beliefs are a key component of strategic planning.
Benefits of Visioning
The process and outcomes of visioning may seem vague and superfluous. However, the long-term benefits can be substantial. The benefits of Visioning:
- Breaks you out of boundary thinking.
- Provides continuity and avoids the stutter effect of planning fits and starts.
- Identifies direction and purpose.
- Promotes interest and commitment.
- Promotes laser-like focus.
- Encourages openness to unique and creative solutions.
- Encourages and builds confidence.
- Builds loyalty through involvement (ownership).
- Results in efficiency and productivity.
If you and your organization are clear on your vision and it is being followed by your entire team – Congratulations. If not – take some time and give it some heavy thought of what you would really like to create in the direction and vision of your company.