Why?

It's incredibly easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of getting stuff done to the point where you lose focus on what the intended outcome is. A compelling vision provides the answer to "why" in the midst that busy-ness when things may be tough or challenging and you think to yourself "Why am I doing this?"

A lot of us ask that question to ourselves a lot of the time. We may not even take the time to ponder the question. However is that question goes unanswered our subconcious will continue to work on answering it. The less clear the "why" the more likely effort will become diluted and obstacles become increasingly insurmountable. Where teams are involved people can become increasingly disenfranchised and the balance can move from the collective vision towards personal expectation.

The role of a leader is to sufficiently envision his/her team to the point where that "why" is never asked. At least the leader needs to do such a good job of painting the vision, and continually re-affirming it, that becomes indelibly printed on the soul of that team. Then anyone with the slightest thought as to "why" they're doing something will be able to answer that question with what they can see.

Ken Rudge   

The Acid Test of Vision

The acid test of a vision is whether or not you can actually see it? You'll know you've struck upon something worth pursuing if you can paint a picture of the outcome for yourself that you can clearly see in your minds eye. If a group of people are involved you need to paint the picture so that they can see it too. It then needs to strikes sufficient cord that makes you (and them) think "I definitely want to be a part of that".

So when you're creating a vision the acid test is "Can You See It?"

Ken Rudge

Up front contract

Vision is an up front contract with yourself and the team that you may be leading. The more detailed your vision, the less there is open for interpretation. Vision necessarily involves change which can be difficult to manage. This up front contract enables you to be clear about the intentions and decisions and actions that need to be taken to bring about that vision. - Ken Rudge

What do you do?

"What is it that when you do it, you lose track of time because you get lost in it? What do you do that makes you think, 'I could do this forever?' What is it that makes you think, 'I was made for this'?"

Rob Bell, "Love Wins"

Solitude

“To do much clear thinking a person must arrange for regular periods of solitude when they can concentrate and indulge the imagination without distraction.”

― Thomas A. Edison