What is a vision?
A vision is the mental picture of the future you desire. More than just a goal, a vision is the embodiment of our hopes and dreams in a particular area; the picture of what has not yet happened, but what the future may hold.
In business, having a clear vision is absolutely critical. It is an extremely powerful tool to achieve the results you want.
What does it mean to have a vision?
Having a vision means we have a clear sense of purpose. It means we have a much larger picture of our business, or our life, than simply setting and reaching short term goals and tackling problems as they come along.
Visions are driven by passion and dreams, and they are reflected through real efforts to create real results.
Read on to learn why having a vision is critical for business development and success.
3 key reasons why having a company vision is crucial
1. It is unifying
When a clear vision is defined within a company, it provides a gathering point, or common interest, making everyone feel as though they are a part of a greater whole. Not only does this give deeper meaning for the work, but it also helps unify everyone into a team that is organized, focused, and working together to contribute to the vision.
2. It is inspiring
Defining a powerful vision is inspiring. It has a clear motivational effect on everyone within the organization. It creates energy and enthusiasm, increasing commitment and fostering change. This is especially important in difficult or stressful times, as having a clear vision will produce persistence and remind you why you started.
3. It provides a focal point for goal-setting and business planning
Having a vision provides a sense of purpose and direction for the business. Your vision will help you define your short and long-term goals, and guide the decisions you make along the way.
How to define your company vision
Now that we’ve established why having a vision is so important, here are a few points to consider when defining yours:
- Be Positive: Don’t let fear guide your vision. Acknowledge challenges and difficulties, but keep your focus on positive outcomes. According to John Graham, visions based on fear can limit your results, as you will end up focusing more on damage control rather than creating positive change.
- Be Specific: A vision shouldn’t be broad. It should be detailed and should clarify purpose and direction. It also must be articulated clearly so it can be understood, clearly pointing toward a specific future.
- Be Ambitious: Dream big, right? Your vision should be extraordinary. This is what will make it motivating, inspiring, and something you can’t give up on. A good vision sets a standard of excellence and performance and forces your business to stretch.