“Everyone teaches you to try and correct your weaknesses, but you make much more progress by expanding on your strengths. A weakness is just the inverse of an underutilized strength, so the example of someone saying you are too sensitive may really just mean that your gift of compassion is underutilized in the role you are in and you should seek a role that requires more of your strength.” Unknown
How do you motivate people to work so hard?
This is a question I hear more often than not. Pay rates, bonuses, benefits programs are often thought of first, however, more significant is a vision of greatness. Without a vision, it becomes increasingly difficult to work with others and arrive at success.
A vision should be something we can actually attain. It can be inspiring and exciting, but specific enough to measure if successful.
Choose your future
A good vision sends the message that we’re not satisfied with what’s currently going on. A good vision reveals our concerns. If we do our job well, we keep our competitors reacting to what we’re doing rather than the other way around.
A good effective vision speaks to the future where we want to get to, not reacting to the present day reality we dislike. This creates a culture of choosing our future and becoming effective leaders who make a positive influence in those around us.
A vision is not a strategic plan. Vision is where we’re going; strategic plan is how we’re going to get there.
Vision comes from leaders of your organization or if you own your own business, what you personally are doing in the picture of success. There are no right or wrong answers. Your vision should inspire YOU. If not, good luck inspiring those around you.
Putting a long-term vision in writing ensures we’re more likely to adhere to it even when we hit roadblocks. It serves as a clear set of expectations that inspires people. Your most talented employees want to be part of something special, something that challenges everyone to create something that sets you apart and makes you unique.
Sell what can be achieved
Your vision should be sound and attainable and have measurable components that can be used to assess its success. A strategically sound vision must be aligned with your principles and communicating it is vital to its success. You need to actively sell the vision to your organization. Talk about it, teach it, display it and promote it.
Make people want it by telling them how their lives are going to be better when the vision is a reality. Your vision must be easy to explain. This way you can support it and sell it to others in your organization.
It’s also helpful to print it. In writing, your vision it will be clear, easy to communicate to newcomers and harder to deviate away from. All these steps will help keep you on course. ●
Bob McConville is president and CEO at The American Brass Manufacturing Co.
