Creating a Vision Statement
A leader spends a lot of time thinking about the future. They have a defined picture of how they want the future of their business to look. The ability to clarify your vision is one of the most important parts of successful leadership. When you can be clear about what direction you see your business heading, then it is easier to encourage and empower your team to help you in working together to make bringing that vision into focus and make it a reality.
Creating a vision statement for your company helps to put into words your ideas for the future of the business. What are the characteristics of a vision statement?
Clarity
A clear statement of what the future of your brand looks like compared to how it looks today.
Set Time Frame
A defined amount of time is given to accomplish this vision, no more than five years.
Flexibility
It cannot be too rigid and must allow for creativity when putting it into action.
Memorable
It is easy for your entire team to remember.
Inspirational
It drives your team to achieve goals to bring that vision to life.
Wide scope
It needs to be able to reach out to all stakeholders.
Realistic
Your team must believe that it is possible to achieve.
Congruent
Your vision statement complements your purpose, values and mission. What is your vision for the future of your business? Do you want bigger sales, faster growth, increased profitability? Do you want to be seen as a leader in the industry? Determine what matters the most and how you see that reflected in your business five years into the future. Work with your team to create a vision statement that covers all of the characteristics of an effective statement. This helps get them all invested in implementing the plan and taking actions to see that it happens.