Vision-Based Leadership

Wayne Gretzky is known for a quote which sums up his approach to hockey: “I skate to where the puck is going, not to where it’s been.” As is the case with many sports metaphors, this quote can be useful as business leaders make key decisions that impact the future of the enterprise.

Part of a successful strategic planning process is establishing in concrete terms where the business is heading. This desired future state, often captured in the vision statement, is both aspirational and fundamental in getting everyone on the same page. If the mission statement is the filter through which choices are made, a clear vison lays out where the enterprise is headed.

With a clear understanding of this, key business decisions may be made with the desired future state in mind. However, when making decisions in real time, organizational leaders face pressure to address present needs, often missing the opportunity to consider longer term opportunities.

Case in point. One of the most impactful decisions facing leaders is hiring or promoting team members. There is pressure to fill an open position as quickly as possible. Consideration is given to the responsibilities of the job as it exists today or, at least, the way the incumbent was doing the job. Here’s a question that may be worth considering: Will this position address the needs of the organization as it exists now or in the future? In other words, where is your organizational “puck” heading and are your strategic investment decisions (in people, processes, technology, and equipment) driven toward your bigger, better future? Hard to know without a clear mission and vision.

For more information and a free primer on strategic planning, contact me at joe@ajstrategy.com or visit my website at ajstrategy.com.

The preceding content was provided by a contributor unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within may not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions. Artificial Intelligence may have been used in part to create or edit this content.