The Tribune

In a very literal sense, vision addresses an individual or company’s capacity to see. Figuratively, vision speaks to foresight, or an individual or organisation’s ability to take a peek around the corner. It is envisioning what has not been made manifest, but articulating and anticipating what could be.

A vision provides direction and a road map into the future. It describes the type of company that you want to become. The vision creates purpose and identity for the individual and organisation. Biblical text admonishes us to write the vision and make it plain. This encouragement to clarify where you see yourself and your company going in the future is commonly referred to as the individual or corporate ‘Vision Statement’.

Check Point 1.

Does your company have a Vision Statement?

Vision Statements serve as the guiding light for employees. They are designed to help them see the larger picture of why they come to work each day, and will hopefully motivate them - despite the challenges - to continue to work towards this goal.

If the vision statement is to achieve its desired intent, then some level of deliberate sharing of the statement with team members is crucial.

Check Point 2.

Do you know your company’s vision statement/ Can you quote it verbatim?

The industry standard for a concise vision statement is a sentence between 15-25 words in length, which inspires each team member. They must see themselves as part of the company’s vision, and should be taken through how - in their particular role - they can contribute to making this a reality.

Check Point 3.

Does your company vision inspire you, and do you understand your individual role in accomplishing what it is proposing?

If you are writing for the first time, or rewriting or updating, here are a few helpful hints regarding effective vision statements. The Vision Statement must be:

1. Future Focused: An effective vision describes the company’s desired future. It provides the ‘big picture’ and sets the context for action.

2. Directional: An effective vision provides direction and makes clear where the company is going.

3. Clear: The vision must clarify focus, direction and constraints to ensure that scare resources are focused on the most strategic initiatives.

4. Relevant: Visions do not exist in a vacuum. The vision must be relevant to the company and the times.It reflects the organisation’s response to the challenges of the day.

5. Purpose-Driven: An effective vision provides a larger sense of purpose for the company and its people.

6. Values Based: An effective vision connects people to the organisation’s core values.

7. Challenging: A vision is a goal that should challenge us, stretch us and set a high standard for the company.

8. Unique: A vision is unique when it declares what makes the company stand out and why it matters.

9. Vivid: Well-crafted visions describe the future in a way that is easy to imagine, and to picture, in the mind.

10. Inspiring: Vision appeals to the hearts and minds of people.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.