Part 3 of 7 - The Secret to Overcoming Stagnation and Decline
One management challenge shares similarities with a common ailment, high blood pressure. Those afflicted with hypertension may fail to assess the seriousness of the problem. In a similar way, many leaders lack a clear consensus of what leads to stagnation and decline. Only a small percentage perceives the need to treat this leadership malady. Fortunately, a proven process can put you on the path to a cure, but only if you're willing to act on your choice.
This leadership challenge has a name: apathy. You recognize it by its symptoms: indecisiveness, lack of drive, lack of creativity, lack of focus, stagnation, burnout, imbalance, and the list goes on and on.
Part 3 of this 7-part series highlights the power of imagining your ideal future:
1. A firmly held vision of the future is essential to counterbalance apathy. With vision, leaders and employees look beyond their comfort zones, opening up a panorama of possibilities and inspiring them to take appropriate risks and actions. Without a vision, it's impossible to see what could be.
2. Vision is what we want, not what we have. Another classic human tendency is to talk about the problem rather than the solution. A focus on the vision, however, will move the discussion to what will be from what is. Rehearsing current issues instead of possible resolutions can reinforce apathy. Thus, a well-defined vision is essential to breaking with the past and moving forward to the desired future.
3. Vision allows you to see the results before the work begins. As an example, the process of farming is straightforward: till, plant, nurture, wait, and harvest; however, without vision, a farmer might be tempted to abandon his field prior to reaping the fruit of his labor. Similarly, a vision helps both leaders and employees see what will be. The vision creates and then reinforces a steadfast conviction that the defined expectations will come to pass. This is especially important during the period between initial concept and the production of consistent and sustainable results.
4. Vision becomes the shared benchmark for all to inspect what's expected. A high-definition vision makes it easier to get everyone on the same page. The vision helps to minimize conflicting expectations and actions, which increases efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Vision serves as a landmark, allowing leaders and employees to steer around real-world obstacles without loosing sight of the organization's ultimate destination. Challenges surround us, just like the air we breathe. The vision is what brings leaders and employees back on course when problems and issues require temporary detours. The vision encourages positive attitudes by reminding everyone that an alternate route can still lead to the desired destination. Whatever employees can see, they can achieve.
By your choice you can overcome organizational apathy!