Every Good G S ift
ells
Entrepreneur
4 ways we kill vision
By Christian Muntean — President, Vantage Consulting | www.biblicalleadership.com |Image courtesy: getlucidity.com Three stonemasons in the Middle Ages were hard at work when a visitor came along and asked them what they were doing. The first stonemason’s sweat beaded his brow. “I am cutting this stone,” he grumbled. The second stonemason, though less distraught, responded with a deep sigh, “I’m building a parapet.” The third stonemason replied with a radiant face, “I am building a beautiful cathedral that will glorify God for centuries to come.” — Author unknown
1. Lack of execution or implementation:When a vision is artic-
ulated but no steps are taken, both vision and credibility are lost. If you say you are going to build a cathedral, people will expect follow-through. Effective leaders begin implementation quickly and help others see that implementation.
2. Lack of perseverance:Beginning the pursuit
Vision. The greatest accomplishments in science, art, business, politics, or individual life have all come from vision. Despite this simple, fundamental fact, identifying or clarifying vision often feels elusive, confusing, or frustrating for many people. But, it doesn’t have to be.
What is a clear & compelling vision?
of vision is often very exciting. Then, there’s almost always a stage of “grunt work” and persistence. That stage may last months or even years. This is where many visionary leaders start to drop off, get distracted, or chase a different vision. It’s also a reason why, in some cases, there is more value in generating vision from teams. If you quit building the cathedral in the middle, it could cost the vision-bearer credibility.
Effective leaders prepare for the long haul. Whether this means personal inVision is simply the answer to questions like ‘Why?’ or ‘So what?’ or ‘What does volvement or a responsible handoff, they don’t quit when the excitement fades all of this add up to, anyway?’ In the story above, the first two stonemasons or the easy work is done. answered the question literally and individually. The first could only see his task—he was cutting stone. The second understood his goal—he was building a 3. Inability to see how our work contributes:The first parapet, part of the ornamental top of the wall. stonemason couldn’t see how his work contributed to the larger picture. He However, the third stonemason had vision. He saw a beautiful building and he probably knew he was working on a “cathedral project.” But in his mind, he could feel what that building would accomplish. His vision was bigger than his just cut stones. This lack of connection to something larger kills vision. When administrative and background staff can’t see how they contribute to the big own contribution, and it was even bigger than his current time frame. picture, their motivation and connection will wane.
Where does vision come from?
Effective leaders help everyone see how their work is valuable. They regularly From visionaries:Some people just naturally have great and compelling ideas. connect (and reconnect) the dots between the work of each person, the work of They can see possibilities and communicate them to others. This is where most the team, and the success of the vision. people believe that vision comes from. But there is another source… 4. Inability to see how we are part of a team:The second From ‘the group’:This could also be the team, the stakeholders, the constituency, stonemason knew what he was personally trying to build; but, he was only conor the congregation.People need vision. But we don’t necessarily need visionary cerned about his personal part of the project. Maybe this was due to pride; or, leaders. What we need are leaders who know how to identify and articulate an maybe it was the only part of the project he had been told about. Either way, he inspiring vision of the future—wherever they get it. didn’t see the whole. He only saw his parapet. The development of silos and lack of collaboration within an organization are often due to a lack of being able to Frequently, profoundly compelling vision lies within the hearts and minds of see how “our work fits together.” those being led. An effective leader or leadership team will learn how to pull vision out of people, clean it up, and present it in such a way that everyone can Effective leaders help everyone see and value the contribution of others. identify with it. Once identified, vision can be cared for; or, vision can be killed. How will you, as an effective leader, capture, cultivate and care for vision? Here are four ways we kill vision.
TT 146 | MAR 29th - April 4th | 2022
