Vision
I’ve had some conversations in recent days that have reminded me…
- Vision is easy when you launch.
- Vision is what distinguishes one organization from the next. Both may be great organizations. They just have unique visions.
- If you grow, eventually, someone will try to shift the vision in a different direction. That’s a guarantee.
- People need to be reminded frequently of what the vision is and where you’re going next.
- Sometimes you have to confront people and their agenda when it’s not in line with the vision. Doesn’t necessarily mean their agenda is wrong. Just means it’s not your vision.
- Sometimes you have to ask a leader to step down if they can’t fully support the vision. Doesn’t mean they’re not a good leader. Just means they’re not your leader.
- Vision challenges can rock smaller organizations and go almost unnoticed in larger organizations.
- There’s more vision stability in a larger organization, but also more opportunity for complacency.
- The vision needs to be big enough to capture the hearts of leaders.
- The vision rarely changes, but the immediate objectives for accomplishing the vision must constantly be defined.
- The top positional leader has to be the loudest voice and the most passionate champion for the vision. That role can’t be delegated.
- Vision unifies.
What would you add to the list?
Vision is contagious
Vision must be communicated many different ways
Vision is progressive. God never shows you everything upfront. But as you step out in faith and walk with Him, you begin to see things up close and personal that you didn’t even think about when the journey began.
Yes, missionalgirl! You nailed that one. It’s so true.
tony
Vision is blinding when given correctly. Kind of like Saul on that road to Damascus.
Vision must be holistic and organic. Numeric visions lack authenticity and connectability.
People identify with real life not with math…
Tony,
Thanks for the blog man. You and Seth Godin are great reads…keep the thoughts flowing into the virtual world!
Great post Tony!
Vision is the driving force behind everything we do, whether as a Christian, church, or organization. I love this blog because it’s so important to re-visit the church’s vision to make sure everyone is on track. Doing this in creative ways is essential. Loving what NewSpring is doing, keep it up!
Vision of change due to growth often must be communicated with a sense of urgency lest it be shrugged off by those who may adhere to the previous vision.
Vision intrigues, informs and inspires…
But I also think many great visions get left for dead because there are not feet to carry it out, and the things that are once precious become familiar.
Great topic! Thanks for the post!
If there isn’t vision there is death (without vision my people perish). Which makes me wonder if that is why there are so many dying churches in our country.
Vision is not for everyone.
I’m a dreamer and a visionary by nature. Buying into a future hope is easy and exciting for me.
For some who aren’t dreamers vision doesn’t always make sense. That’s ok, they’re good at things I suck at and without their help I couldn’t accomplish God’s purposes in my life.
Tony,
Great thoughts. Thank you for this post.
What could and should be.
A vision that will inspire support and action must be born of a fundamental foundation or bedrock which is both worthy and sustainable in the eyes, minds and hearts of those expected to embrace the weight of the vision and overcome inevitable obstacles encountered on the journey towards fruition.
Hey Tony -
Thx for this. You are absolutely right…the top positional leader has to be the most passionate and loudest about a vision.
I would only add that clarity does not always come with passion and volume.
Many of the most renown church leaders can often be heard, yet their vision still not seen because of a lack of clarity and focus.
Vision without clarity is just a dream.