One of the keys to success is seeing where you want to go before you get there. Businesses all have dreams and goals. One of the biggest differences is in their ability to integrate what is in their mind to a piece of paper.
By writing down your thoughts you create a verbal roadmap for others to follow. This allows each future member of your team to understand where you want to go. Many companies let their direction be determined by the marketplace or even the customers they acquire. This is kind of like the tail wagging the dog. You are never in control of where you are going.
Other people are dictating your direction. All you are doing is following. It makes it very hard for leaders to lead in this reactionary way of operating. The lack of direction only confuses the staff and potentially creates a chaotic environment where everyone is going in a different direction with the best intentions.
Vision set up early-on helps provide a clear direction of where you to go. It also assists leaders in evaluating every decision to ensure consistency in heading in the right direction. Just as important, adhering to your vision ensures you do not go down a wrong path as well.
A famous quote from Lewis Carroll pretty much sums up the need for a clear vision. If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.
