Why lead with vision?

A good vision creates an inner spark, and accounts for why we do what we do. It requires a certain set of aspirations, beliefs, and values to manifest intself. A vision is quite different than simply setting "goals". For example if you are a teacher, your objective is to teach, but you may decide to take on the responsibility to:

1. Care for the overall success of your students.

2. Commit to their educational and mental growth.

3. Provide the right environment, and be adaptive to their needs.

Leading with a clear and effective vision inspires others by defining the "why". Others understand, connect, and relate to why leaders do what they do, and why they should do what they do. A clear and effective vision sets the direction, defines the scope, inspires creativity and imagination, and combines the collective efforts and resources into a single, invaluable, shared common purpose. A senior manager was once asked "What is our vision?", to which he replied "To profit and grow". This is not vision. These are consequences of having a good vision in place. Examples of simple but powerful visionary misision statements:

Tesla: "To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy."

Life is good: "To spread the power of optimsm."

Spotify: "We envision a cultural platform where professional creators can break free of their medium's constraints and where everyone can enjoy an immersive artistic experience that enables us to emapthize with each other and to feel part of a greater whole."

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