Some time ago I heard of this illustration in a book, (I think it was by Paul Borden, but I’ll have to check that out at a later date), about the role of a leader.

The gist of the illustration was of a tribe in a forest working hard at whatever they do.  Part of the view are the leaders that are continually pointing the workers into the same direction to make sure the work was effective.

But these leaders had another role too.  They were taking turns to guard the bottom of a tree.  They used their spears to push workers away from the tree, protecting the person at the top.

But they had yet another role, they also used their spears to keep the person in the tree up there!  And that person is the ultimate leader.  His direct reports both protect him and keep him from getting bogged down in the mire.

But if his direct reports are pointing the workers in the same direction, what’s the ultimate leader’s role…  His job, from the top of the tree is to say,  “Wrong Forest!  That’s where we need to be.”

Photo by John K

The illustration was designed to ensure the different layers of leadership knew what their roles were but it also highlights the need for continual vision casting (why do you think they were in the wrong forest!).

So I thought I’ll give you reasons for vision casting in every conversation you have:

1.  Vision Leaks

For some reason, when God made us, he seemed to use a material that allows for osmosis.  This is good, because we take in good things like culture, experience and learning by being around people.

Unfortunately, however, it also means that things like vision leak out of us.  It’s very rare to find a person who, having having bought into a vision, doesn’t need to be reminded on a regular basis.

2.  (Mis)communication

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You often vision cast to someone and they are in total agreement with you.  They buy in and are incredibly enthusiastic.  The only trouble is that they think very differently to you and your first attempt at visioning, (which invariably is done using “your” language), actually meant something different to them to what you actually thought.

So instead, if you vision cast in every conversation, using different vocabulary and different pictures, eventually you’ll be on the same wavelength.

3.  It Helps Focus You

One of the greatest benefits that I’ve found from trying to vision during all of my conversations is that it keeps me focused on what’s important.  There’s simply no chance to forget what you’re all about if you’re continually talking about it!

Photo by SqueakyMarmot

4.  Your Direct Reports (and others) Know You Mean Business

One of the worst things for morale in an organisation are leaders who aren’t enthusiastic and passionate about what the place is all about.

Conversely it’s great to work in a place where vision is spoken (positively) about and people get on board to paddle in the same direction.

Have I Missed Any Out?

I’m sure there are more reasons why we should talk vision up.  So let me hear about them.

Thanks to Becki for prompting this post (see here).

Please add your thoughts by leaving a comment.

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