Breakthrough vision
The energy of a Breakthrough Vision provides the most powerful force for any organization’s short and long-term success. Most companies have a standard vision statement and feel that the simple fact of having written a vision statement means they have already achieved the power of a Breakthrough Vision. However, the differences between a standard vision and a Breakthrough Vision lie not in what the vision statement says or how it has been written. The difference comes from the energy, longevity and immediate impact on a company’s employees, customers, core purpose and business priorities.
Consider the differences between a light bulb and the sun. The light bulb, not unlike the typical vision statement, must receive power from an external source, shines bright for a limited period of time and ultimately lights the way for a small number of people. Conversely, a Breakthrough Vision shines like the sun, generating the energy to guide masses of people from within; it feeds the body, mind, heart and soul while providing us something to measure our progress with.
Unlike the vision statements most organizations possess, Breakthrough Vision statements stand for more than an abstract picture of a future that an organization may or may not achieve. A Breakthrough Vision has a broad and inspiring scale and simultaneously provides a present and focused passion. It has the power to emotionally connect employees, customers, and stakeholders in synergistic way that compels people to work hard today for the betterment of tomorrow. This level of personal interaction each individual has with a Breakthrough Vision compels them to communicate the vision themselves and when that happens, leaders have time to be innovative, expansive and spend their energy on building the business.
“Most organizations are nearsighted and some are farsighted. We should want our organizations to see fully and well, both far and near, with breathtaking vision and relentless focus. "
~James Lucas
Most organizations do not have a Breakthrough Vision because they spend so little time developing a vision statement in the first place. Who can blame them? After all, on the surface it doesn’t change the current reality. Global markets have been rapidly changing, consumers have been gravitating to different media markets, competitors enter the business - and all this has to be dealt with right now. However, recognizing that a Breakthrough Vision provides the solution for dealing with any challenge, today’s challenge or one that surfaces down the road, makes creating a Breakthrough Vision the highest business priority for each day until you have created one that resonates with every individual involved in your organization.
A Breakthrough Vision provides the compass for your organization. It will connect the different interests and parts of your organization together by being the cultural cement. The philosophy and values of the company will be in alignment with the market demands and changes in the global economy, core values and purpose will connect with the business priorities and customer needs. Passion, motivation and commitment of clients and employees will tie into the Breakthrough Vision and long-term strategic goals will be met faster and more effectively.
We have provided a starting place for you to begin crafting your Breakthrough Vision statement in our Process of the Month section. Use the Vision Wheel process to deepen your understanding of a Breakthrough Vision and create one for your organization. Remember, as your Breakthrough Vision evolves, expands and resonates with everyone it touches, it will continuously communicate itself while guiding you through the most pressing business concerns today and tomorrow!
