By now, we’ve all read enough accounts of leadership to recognize that a vision is critical to transforming an organization. But lately I’ve noticed that some leaders don’t recognize the difference between a vision and an impossible dream.
Typically, a visionary leader is able to paint a possible but audacious picture of the future. They can see what the future state of the organization can be yet also recognize that the organization will need to stretch to achieve the vision.
Visionary leaders recognize that achieving the vision will be an emotional, circuitous, collaborative and complex journey.
This contrasts sharply with a leader indulging in fantasy. They too have an audacious picture of the future but lack awareness of the magnitude of change involved in stretching the culture, talent, structure and strategies of the organization.
Leaders engaged in fantasy believe that achieving the vision will be a logical, methodical, linear, and relatively simple journey.
Take the case of Sarah, an intelligent executive in a mature organization. Sarah envisions restructuring the organization to empower people. She dreams of the day when front line workers will participate in making key decisions and operate at the highest levels of professionalism.
Sarah is extremely passionate about her vision, and she routinely spouts her philosophy with the fervor of a missionary. When someone challenges the viability of Sarah’s proposed organizational structure, she promptly responds with a litany of research that supports her position and implies that her challenger is less professional, insightful or intelligent because of his inability to see what Sarah believes to be obvious.
Sadly, what Sarah and many other leaders fail to realize is that a vision must be shared otherwise it is an impossible dream. While a vision may start from an individual’s dream, it is imperative that the leader influence others to embrace the idea. This means that the leader must listen to challenges and use them to clarify and revise their original concept without destroying the essence of the vision.
Successful leaders never forget that they need followers who are invested in and will help to further shape the dream.
Unfortunately some leaders do not recognize that their vision is an impossible dream. They are enamored with a dream and are blind to the responses of others who are only half-heartedly engaged. These leaders don’t notice that they are driving too hard and too fast or that others are feeling “mowed down” by their aggressive approach and timeline. They don't notice the rolling eyes, and sideways glances and they definately don't notice that people have started to shut down.
Stay tuned for more on this subject.... Have you had an experience with a leader indulging in fantasy? If so, share your story with me by sending it to debbie@talentsprings.com.
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