Improving Your Vision
Very few leaders spend the right amount of time on Vision. Most spend too little time, believing that existential questions about purpose are a waste of time. Some leaders spend too much time reflecting on their personal life purpose and organizational Vision, but most leaders need to spend more time reflecting on the deeper questions.
Up to now, I’ve used the word “Vision” to represent two related but separate ideas: Purpose and Vision. Purpose is really the answer to the question, “why?”; Vision is a visualization of an inspiring potential future.
Purpose gives us meaning; Vision gives us direction.
We need both meaning and direction for both our personal and professional lives. For most executives, there are 4 related but independent exercises to be done:
Personal Purpose
Personal Vision
Organizational Purpose
Organizational Vision
I encourage executives to start with their personal life purpose statement because it is easy for our professional productivity to become default life purpose. “I am the value I create” is the functional purpose statement of many executives, but there are several problems with this definition.
It is one dimensional. Very few leaders plan for multiple affairs/divorces, a drinking problem, 20 extra pounds around their waist and estranged children. But if your entire identity is wrapped up in work, then everything else will suffer. Titles, money, and the accolades of investors are nice, but we were made for more.
It makes work too important. Tim Ferriss says in his popular blog*, “Do not expect work to fill a void that non-work relationships and activities should” I love work as much as anyone, but balanced executives are more healthy, effective and stable over the long run.
It creates future problems. Recently at a training seminar for a group of wealth managers, I heard the speaker say, “you need 3 things to retire – money, health and purpose.” It is common for executives to tie their identity to their work. But when work stops – either because of illness, retirement, or an unexpected issue – then their identity ends too. They cease to exist in their own minds and often die shortly thereafter. You need a purpose that transcends your career.
Here are a few steps to help you define your personal purpose and vision:
Carve out ½ a day (~4 hours) and go someplace where you won’t be interrupted. Ideally, you should go someplace that inspires you like the beach, the mountains, or a bustling city. This should not be attempted at your home, your office or a conference room – too many distractions; too sterile.
Start with answering the following Purpose questions:
Why am I here?
What do I want my friends & family to say about me on my 80th birthday?
What is the positive impact I want to make in the world?
Then work through your Vision question:
What am I trying to accomplish?
What is my definition of success?
How would I know if I’ve accomplished it?
If you find yourself struggling with answering these questions, don’t worry! That is very common. It is common for people to struggle defining their why, and it is common for purpose and vision to blur together. But the distinction is important. Your purpose, your reason for existing, is a statement about who you are. Your vision is a statement of what you are trying to do. Who you are is greater than what you are trying to do. And there is great danger in blurring the two together.
Here's a pro tip: for most of us, our passion is found in our pain. This may sound counter-intuitive, but often the greatest wounds and struggles in our life are the motivation for the impact we want to make in the world. If you are struggling to find your purpose and vision, think back to the painful memories of your past and see if they help you discover your passion for the positive impact you want to make.
Once you have some clarity on your personal purpose and personal vision, repeat steps 1 through 3 for your organization.
Lastly, this is an iterative process! I have tweaked my purpose and vision statements dozens of times! I’ve tweaked the purpose and vision statements of my organizations as well! None of us are finished products. We are always a work in progress, and our purpose and vision will evolve over time. I encourage you to revisit your personal purpose and vision statements, as well as your organization’s purpose and vision statements, on an annual basis. This will enable you to stay focused and aligned while giving you regular time to reflect and adjust as necessary.
*https://tim.blog/2007/08/16/the-not-to-do-list-9-habits-to-stop-now/
