The document discusses the importance of vision and vision statements for leadership. It defines a vision as a mental picture of what an organization aspires to become. An effective vision statement provides general direction, context for decision making, and affects organizational structure and relationships. Crafting a good vision involves getting input from team members and communicating the vision enthusiastically to help the team embrace it.

1. The Leadership Excellence Series
The Visionary Leader
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2. What Is a Vision?
A vision is a mental picture
of what an organization
aspires to become.
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3. Purpose of a Vision Statement
A vision statement:
Provides a general direction
Provides context for decision making
Affects an organization’s structure
Affects working relationships
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4. Characteristics of a
Vision Statement
Vision statements are:
 Clear  People-oriented
 Challenging  Inspiring
 General  Easily communicated
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5. Crafting a Vision Statement
 What does the organization do well?
 What is the most important thing the
organization wants to do?
 What makes the organization unique
or special?
 What does the team expect from
the organization?
 What makes the team feel good about
the organization?
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6. Crafting a Vision Statement
Involve Team Members
 Willingness to achieve the vision
 Control their own futures
 Fosters cooperation and
collaboration
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7. Communicating a Vision
Help the Team Embrace the Vision
 Talk about the vision all the time
 Explain how it will benefit them
 Be enthusiastic
 Show that you mean it
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8. Conclusion
If you want to build a ship,
don’t drum up people to collect wood
and don’t assign them tasks and work,
but rather teach them to long for
the endless immensity of the sea.
– Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
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