Today our nation inaugurates a new president – the most visible leadership position in the land. Any president knows what I’m about to tell you about vision – maybe none more than the one sworn in today.

When a clear compelling vision is communicated and gains some credibility it begins to speak to people’s hearts. Many people who hear & feel the vision will respond at some level – some positively & others in a negative manner.

Vision is always about a desired future which implies change so some with an aversion to change or gain benefit from the status quo may not be comfortable with what the vision is saying at first (and some will never get used to it).  A secure leader won’t let this knock them off course and a wise leader won’t draw a line in the sand over it either. Rather, those that start out numb to or even against the vision at one point may later become a staunch supporter of it. Even if they don’t, the leader has already become convinced that the vision not only could happen but should happen, and won’t be shaken.

People who feel the hope for this particular desired future resonate within them begin to respond positively.  At some point the vision begins to pull to itself the resources it needs to become a reality (skilled team, other high capacity leaders, finances, etc…).  Momentum builds, which attracts more supporters and objectors, and the vision takes on a whole new tone as it evolves in this way.

Vision speaks, which is a neutral value in & of itself – but it will speak. Yet that’s just the beginning – the visionary leader then has to deliver on what the vision has been promising. Thursday I’ll talk about that element of vision.

Are you currently part of a compelling vision or have you ever been?
What is that vision saying that resonates within you?