Organizations with a vision live in a continual learning mode. They tap into “generative learning”— learning that enhances their capacity to create and contribute beyond “self”
by Georgia Kartsanis
When we ask most company CEOs what the vision for their organisations is, they often defer to the company’s current objectives or growth numbers rather than describing a forward-looking, ideal picture of where they aspire to be or create in the future.
Based on various latest surveys, “the ability to create and convey a vision and inspire and engage people around it” is considered “the single most important competency needed for the emerging generation of leaders”. It is also one of the most under-developed capabilities when it comes to leading the organization.
Undoubtably as we live in an exponential change era it is more critical than ever that leaders offer direction to their people, help them focus on what is important, generating long term value for all stakeholders and addressing the challenges we face which will result in shared prosperity and sustainability for both business and society. The matter of purpose and meaning therefore must come before the question of feasibility and cost; and the how question should be replaced with the why.
A vision statement is a clear picture of what the organization aspires to be or why it exists. It describes what the leadership deeply cares about and what the organization looks like when the vision is achieved.
Vision takes into account a larger picture than the immediate goal – encompassing: the organization, the people, the stakeholders, the society, the ecosystem.
When vision is birthed, organizations look at the world from the frame of contribution vs. entitlement, and every time leaders communicates a vision they created with their teams, they have an opportunity to move beyond informing people to actually inviting them to participation and engagement. When people share in vision of what the organization can be, they generate tremendous energy, excitement and passion. They feel they are making a difference. They know what they are doing and why. There is a strong sense of trust and respect. Everyone assumes responsibility for their own actions.
For Greece moving forward…
In the years ahead Greek organizations need to develop a shared vision that ignites innovative thinking and deliberate commitment and action to move from survival to contribution.
A shared vision which is:
Innovative creating generative value for people and society
Extroverted and universal and not egocentric and narrow spectrum
Inclusive: identifying and inviting collaborative networks in shared growth and collective wisdom generation
Taking into account the post digital era and the 4th digital revolution that we are experiencing and embracing a strong ethical stance towards it
