Hailey’s 7 Leadership Lessons
Lesson #2: Share the Vision Clearly,
Creatively, Continually, Mastermind with Others.
By: Suzanne Black; President
You’re on the golf course. You’ve gone for a quick round at
twilight – the last person out in a group of one – just you and
the course. On the fifth hole, you hit a shot and know
immediately that it is a great shot. Everything about it feels
right. As you watch, the ball hits the green and moves with
impressive momentum on the uphill slope of the green moving
toward the cup. Your ball slows but still has some momentum and
is edging slowly toward the tiny hole on the green. You stand in
disbelief as it drops in the cup! It is astonishing – something
you’ve hoped for your entire adult life. But your excitement is
suddenly interrupted by the reality of your situation. You’re
alone. No one has witnessed your hole-in-one.
Like a hole in one on the golf course, your vision will
become more “real” if you share it with others.
What does it mean to reveal your vision to others? According
to Lesson #2, the vision must be shared clearly, creatively, and
continually while masterminding with others to make it a
reality.
Let’s examine each element of that lesson. First, you must be
clear. In order to communicate your vision to others, you must
know how to “speak the language of the others.” For instance,
giving instructions to a five-year old is different than giving
instruction to an adult. When you communicate your vision
clearly, consider your audience and use the language and symbols
that will mean most to them.
Second, you must communicate
your vision creatively. Great
leaders know that words alone are not enough to communicate
vision. Actions speak louder than words. Former CEO of Southwest
Airlines, Herb Kelleher, knew this lesson well. Not only did
Kelleher talk about his love for his company and it's people – he
acted on his words by displaying affection and care toward his
employees and customers. The communication of vision can come in
the form of words, but actions and other symbols also convey the
vision in a powerful manner.
Third, your vision must be continuously communicated. You
must become obsessed with your vision and communicate that
obsession to others. People pay attention to obsessions. Say it,
write it, act it – over and over again.
Fourth, mastermind with others. Energy that is enslaved is
wasted energy. Synergistic solutions emerge from interactions
and work with others. Share your vision with others and see how
freely the energy flows.
Henry David Thoreau said: I know of no more encouraging fact
than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by
conscious endeavor. Our ability to create a vision and have a
mental picture of our future is a characteristic that is
uniquely human. Yet many of us are hesitant to share our vision.
Don’t waste this opportunity. Get out there and share your
vision clearly, creatively, continually, while you mastermind
with others to make your vision a reality.
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