On the first day of the new year, I was idly channel surfing across a broad spectrum of cable options when I stumbled on one called the “Speed Channel,” which was showing highlights of the Le Mans Cup and some unbelievable exhibitions of precision driving. Then I flipped to CBS, where the Chargers and Oakland game was in full swing, and I watched a couple of Phillip Rivers passes and wondered how he saw the open receiver with all the people in the way. Then it struck me that whether it is winning the LeMans Cup or throwing the perfect pass, the driver or the quarterback involved has to possess incredible vision.
That realization, in turn, made me think about how important it is for the CEO of any company to have a clear vision and be able to articulate it. Yes, I know I’ve made this point before – but I’m more convinced than ever that the most important attribute a contemporary corporate leader can possess is the knack for both visualizing and vocalizing where he or she is attempting to take the organization. To be a world-class contender, you simply have to be more proficient at seeing what’s up ahead than the other players in whatever league, industry or sector you’re competing.
I often hear CEOs disdain the “vision thing.” But in these tumultuous times, I believe that being a “visionary” in terms of knowing where you’re going and, if you’re the person in charge, where you hope to take your organization is more essential than ever. But it’s not enough to have a clear and comprehensive vision – you also need to communicate it over and over again to all of the people you expect to implement their part of the plan. And there is no time better time to share your vision with them than the beginning of the year.
So whether you’re running a big or small operation, or simply leading a household, my recommendation for 2012 is to stay mentally focused on your goal while keeping your eyes on the road – even when it’s temporarily obscured by fog or ice. And make a point of keeping the people accompanying you on the journey apprised of where they are and where it is you’re taking them. It will do wonders for their morale and ability to help you get there.
