Do executives gain from building a shared vision? Yes! They can be pushed by their pain or pulled by their vision.
Almost every company has a vision and mission statement. Unfortunately, there is confusion between the terms and people will make up their own interpretations.
We look at vision as an over-arching concept under which a variety of other concepts reside. Implementing vision requires an environment of relationship and trust that can continually produce innovation. Our model is adapted from Collins & Porras’ perspective on Visionary Leadership. In their view, Vision consists of two major components -- a Guiding Philosophy and a Tangible Image. The Guiding Philosophy, within the context of expected future environments, leads to a Tangible Image.
Guiding Philosophy
Purpose
Core Beliefs and Values
Tangible Image
Mission
Vivid Description
The Guiding Philosophy consists of Core Values and Beliefs and Purpose, and that is where Vision begins. The Guiding Philosophy permeates the organization, impacting the organization’s decisions, policies, and actions throughout all phases of an organization’s evolution.
The Tangible Image consists of a Mission that clearly focuses the efforts of the organization and a Vivid Description through which the mission is made more alive and engaging.
Building a shared vision is an important component of the ERM Process. We work with teams to make sure there is an organizational alignment with and commitment to the vision. Specifically we help them define:
- Purpose – a broad, fundamental and inspirational statement that guides the organization
- Core Beliefs and Values – these are those core elements that can never be compromised if you want to build an organization with integrity
- Mission – a clear and compelling goal with a beginning and end that serves to unify the organization’s efforts
- Vivid Description – a picture created by the teams to visualize the vision