Keys to Vision Casting

In business, "vision casting" refers to formulating a motivating, inspiring and precise vision and communicating it widely to all people. By creating a concise vision, leadership can attract people who will be completely served by it and tell everyone what it expects to achieve, the course it will undertake and the business outlook. The leadership must cast the vision to all around it in order to achieve the vision.

Communicating Broadly

The vision should be challenging but realistic and include a time frame for achievement. After formulating a vision statement, a business' leadership communicates it to everyone by distributing a full copy of the vision. It holds regular meetings to explain the vision, how it will be achieved and the benefits it will bring to the business. The leadership asks employees to give their input on how the vision can be implemented successfully and other feedback. Leaders also use other modes of communication, such as email, memorandums and banners to keep employees on track and to broadcast progress made.

Involving Other Entities

The business' leaders involve the business' stakeholders and key players in crafting a compelling business vision. They ensure the vision statement is consistent with the business' activities to make it simple for employees to identify with the vision. Considering the employees' feedback about the vision gives the workers ownership of the idea. It also is likely to increase their desire to assist in fulfilling the vision because they feel they were fully involved in its design.

Personalizing the Vision

The vision captures the broad picture of the organization, but it is achieved by combined efforts from different individuals. Therefore, it is essential for the business or leadership team to ensure all employees' personal goals add value to the business and are geared toward achieving the overall vision. This strategy makes employees believe they contribute to achieving the vision and it might increase their efficiency and productivity in the long run.

Monitoring the Vision

Because setbacks and challenges may hinder the achievement of the vision, reminding everyone continually about the laid-down goals is imperative. The business' leaders sensitize employees to evaluate whether or not their daily work and activities move the organization to the desired destination so that if they don't, the employees can re-assess their work and align it with the vision. Leadership recognizes individuals who are on track with the vision and encourages other individuals to take positive steps regarding the vision.

References

• Career Builder; Leadership 101: Five Tips for Casting Vision with Employees; October 2008
• Leta Russell International; Vision Casting in Business and Finance; Leta Russell
• "Leadership Wired"; Positive Inspirational Leadership Stories; John C. Maxwell
• "Leading Life-Changing Small Groups"; Bill Donahue; 2002