Weekly Thought – May 24, 2016
Fred enjoyed visionaries. He appreciated their ability to see a project then gather the right components to realize the idea. He considered many executives and entrepreneurs as friends. Their stories energized him.
20/20 Vision
David Rockefeller was once quoted as saying. “The number one function of the top executive is to establish the purpose of the organization.” Like the hub of the wheel, everything else grows out of this priority. Until the vision is established, trouble is ahead. Scripture says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The New American Standard Bible focuses on the way they perish: “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” To be restrained, to be concentrated in purpose, is essential to accomplishment. That is why the leader must define the reason for the organization to exist.
A leader must personify the vision and be dedicated to it personally. As they seek to maintain the vision, leaders must keep in mind these essentials:
1) Define the vision specifically. Leaders disperse the fog.
2) Express it so that other people understand it. Lingo without logic simply confuses and doesn’t galvanize.
3) Get both organizational and personal acceptance of the vision. Nodding heads without knowing hearts keep the motors idling.
4) Repeat the purpose over and over. The Old Testament patriarchs set up stones of remembrance to remind the people of their story. My wife, Mary Alice, always sent the children out the door with these words: “Remember who you are, where you are from, and what you represent.” She kept their purpose and our vision “ever before them.”
When you have a clear vision, you view everything in its light. A vision is a filter and a grid through which all activity flows. You come to see the need for a vision broad enough that everything you do can be tired to it. The focused vision will both include and exclude.
Despite the work that it takes to craft an effective vision, it is a far better alternative to perishing.
This week think about: 1) To what am I most dedicated? 2) How clear is my vision for my work, my family? 3) Who best models vision for me?
Words of Wisdom: “A leader must personify the vision and be dedicated to it personally.”
Wisdom from the Word: “When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he!” (Proverbs 29:18 NET Bible)