Entry posted by Laserwolf
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If you got it, you don't need no definition. And if you don't have it, ain't no definition gonna help.
-Duke Ellington when asked to define rhythm.
Vision is critical for effective strategic planning and implementation.
-George Barna
In my first post on Leadership about a month ago, I discussed the importance of influence. Today, in my second post, I want to talk practically about two areas of influence: Vision Casting & Goal Setting.
My Vision or Their Vision / My Goals or Their Goals?
While somewhat hard to describe, almost everyone that is in leadership knows the importance of vision casting and goal setting. These two attributes often manifest themselves in many ways: political platforms when during an election, applications for a position of leadership, and/or interviews for promotions. Vision casting and goal setting describe what you want to get accomplished, why it needs to be accomplished, and how it will or needs to be accomplished. Let's face it though, your vision is what you think, plan, and hope, yet has it factored in everyone else's thoughts, dreams, and plans. So now you find this dilemma: my dreams, goals, and hopes or giving into everyone else's dreams, goals, and hopes. So what to do?
It can be frustrating when what you want to do sometimes does not match up with what others want to do. The most important key is listening. Listen to others. Hear what they have to say especially if they are stronger in certain areas than you. I'm going to use myself for an example. When casting my vision and goals for GATO, I pay very close attention to those who are better in the Financial and Military arenas. I'm not the expert in Foreign Affairs or Internal/Domestic Affairs but I tend to have a good grasp on what needs to be done and how to get it done. I never turn down anyone giving input as they may have a perspective on something that I may have missed.
Our Vision - Our Goals
After several days of discussion, asking questions, and evaluation, I propose a set of goals to our main leadership based on what I perceive and hear from the members of GATO. I then create a list of goals which are then refined based on input. Once that process reaches approval, I propose it to our General Assembly and work to make the goals not my goals or the Ministers' goals, but Our goals. When everyone works together to set goals and catch the vision, the end result is not mine or yours but ours. When it's Our goals, then as a team, things happen. As a team, goals are met, morale is high, and activity increases (or should). When goals become Our goals, the vision become Our vision.
SMART Goals
Setting SMART goals is key to accomplishing as much as possible while in your position of leadership. The above image describes setting SMART goals. Goals need to be specific to the task(s) at hand. Measurable goals are concrete and can be tracked. Attainable goals are reasonable while challenging. Relevant goals mean something for now and later not then and gone. Timed goals have a deadline - what do you want to accomplish? How? Why? When?
Members from all areas need to know what they are working for and why. If the ambassador doesn't understand why their job of representing their alliance is important then an opportunity for a friendship is lost. If a tech seller doesn't understand why being timely and the purpose of tech then they will fall off the radar. The goals have to be communicated from the top down, kept in front of everyone, and tracked for progress.
The final key to putting this all in place is summed up in one word: communication. Communication on all levels of leadership is necessary if you are going to effectively cast the visions, create your goals, accomplish them as a team.
If you have read this far, thank you and again I hope this helps someone out. I'll try not to go a month before posting another topic.
Til then
o/
-Laserwolf
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