I was reminded of this quotation from Solomon (Proverbs 29:18) by a piece on the radio. While it was intended for an altogether mightier purpose it still has resonance in the corporate world of today.  Though let’s hope that the consequences of working without a clear vision are not quite so dire because way too many businesses still don’t have this sorted.

A clear picture of where the business is going is the single most important determinant of success in any change program.  In the recessionary times we’re currently in this is even more important.  We need people to act incisively and in a way that combines collective efforts in a single direction rather than fighting against each other.

A well-constructed vision is so much more than a series of financial targets.  It should inspire, motivate and explain to staff what the business is trying to achieve, why and with what sense of urgency.

Creating such vision is not always easy.  Many businesses try to do it by committee and this is always doomed to fail.  A vision is a personal statement of corporate ambition by the organisation’s leader.  Yes that should be devised following a process of consultation and from a deep understanding of the business but democratic charters always lack the necessary punch.

While the most effective visions are bold and deal imaginatively with challenges the business is seeking to overcome it must be rooted in concepts that are familiar to the people inside the business today.  There is little point in describing a future world that is so far removed from the realities of today that no one can understand what the leader is talking about.  If the business really does need to move into to such a revolutionary new paradigm then it probably needs to do it in a couple of steps.

Decide what you want / need to achieve and by when and then look back from the imaginary position of having achieved all of this and reflect on the blockages you will need to have removed along the journey.  Through doing this you will create a vision that describes how you will achieve the future by changing what it is you do today.