Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?







jodi flynnJodi Flynn
Jodi Flynn is the founder of Luma Coaching. She works with executives in the areas of leadership development, communication and relationships.



A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.~ Ralph Lauren

All successful leaders have at least one thing in common – a strong vision that they truly believe in. An outstanding leader makes that vision come alive by motivating others to share in that vision while compelling them to act.

vision (1)

Creating the Vision: Think First, Act Second

A great leader plans ahead, setting the tone for an energetic, balanced atmosphere. Plan ahead by creating a vision – think first, act second.

These tips will help you get started:

  • Be realistic. Realize that getting from where you are to where you want to go might not be possible instantly. This is why you need a road map to get you there!
  • Establish clarity. Have a lucid understanding of exactly what the goal is – what needs to be accomplished, and what steps will are involved.
  • Identify strengths and limitations. Knowing what your assets and restrictions are up front can help you prepare for the road ahead. Use this as an opportunity to turn perceived limitations into avenues for growth.

Aligning With Your Vision

A vision is like any journey – you need to begin with the end in mind. When you’ve created your vision, imagine what it will feel like when you achieve it. What does that end result mean to you, to your team, to your organization as a whole? Be descriptive and make that end result, that “next level”, as tangible as possible.

As your journey begins, make decisions that are in alignment with your vision. This may not always be easy – in fact, you may become abundantly aware of how things are in contrast to the vision you’ve created.

Don’t be discouraged, but use this awareness as a motivator as you continue to move forward. Act “as if” – feel the reality of your accomplished vision.

Communicating Your Vision

It is not enough to create a leadership vision – you must share it with others. As you share your vision, persistence and inspiration are key.

This is also where having accountability becomes critical. Here are some tips for working with an accountability partner:

  • Check in often to communicate where you are in your plan
  • Celebrate your wins (even the small ones) and talk through any obstacles you are facing
  • Communicate what you plan to accomplish before the next conversation

With others, be consistent and public about your progress to your goal. This allows others to support you or even to join you on your quest. It also raises the stakes for you to stay on track and take the actions necessary to accomplish your goal. There will be times you may need that extra push even if it is a bit ego driven.

As you’re developing into a competent, enthusiastic leader, don’t forget to visualize yourself as such (seriously, close your eyes right now and imagine yourself being successful) – and view any obstacles you may face as opportunities for new growth!

Note: The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views held by Inc42, its creators or employees. Inc42 is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by guest bloggers.

You have reached your limit of free stories
Become An Inc42 Plus Member

Become a Startup Insider in 2024 with Inc42 Plus. Join our exclusive community of 10,000+ founders, investors & operators and stay ahead in India’s startup & business economy.

2 YEAR PLAN
₹19999
₹7999
₹333/Month
Unlock 60% OFF
Cancel Anytime
1 YEAR PLAN
₹9999
₹4999
₹416/Month
Unlock 50% OFF
Cancel Anytime
Already A Member?
Discover Startups & Business Models

Unleash your potential by exploring unlimited articles, trackers, and playbooks. Identify the hottest startup deals, supercharge your innovation projects, and stay updated with expert curation.

Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?-Inc42 Media
How-To’s on Starting & Scaling Up

Empower yourself with comprehensive playbooks, expert analysis, and invaluable insights. Learn to validate ideas, acquire customers, secure funding, and navigate the journey to startup success.

Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?-Inc42 Media
Identify Trends & New Markets

Access 75+ in-depth reports on frontier industries. Gain exclusive market intelligence, understand market landscapes, and decode emerging trends to make informed decisions.

Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?-Inc42 Media
Track & Decode the Investment Landscape

Stay ahead with startup and funding trackers. Analyse investment strategies, profile successful investors, and keep track of upcoming funds, accelerators, and more.

Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?-Inc42 Media
Do You Have a Vision of Where You Are Going?-Inc42 Media
You’re in Good company