Hello my friends! I’m Theo Gilbert-Jamison with Performance Solutions by Design. And in this segment, we’re focusing on Visionary Leadership! So, I’d like to start by asking… Do you consider yourself a visionary leader? And, is it an important attribute in the success of your team?
THE DEFINITION
Let’s start by defining what it means to be a “visionary†leader. Simply put, it’s the ability to mobilize your team, department, or organization around a vision and common goal for the future and lead them to success. And whether you’re watching this video at the beginning of the year, mid-way through, or around year-end – it’s important that your team knows what your vision for success is – so there’s no confusion.
TRAITS OF A VISIONARY LEADER
And whether you’re thinking about visionary leaders of the past or those among us today, here are a couple of key traits or attributes that they have in common. As I review them, consider whether you or your leaders possess any of these visionary characteristics.
Visionary leaders are: Innovative; Strategic; Focused; and Persistent. They don’t mind taking risk and are not easily intimidated when it comes to achieving their vision. Visionary leaders are organized; communicative; collaborative; and often optimistic about the future. They are also emotionally intelligent and inspirational. They have the ability to share their dream and inspire others to follow them in achieving it. Any of these character traits of a visionary leader sound familiar to you?
CHALLENGES
There are three significant challenges of being a visionary leader. Big picture leaders may miss important details. Often they are not focused on details, that’s what their team is for. They may sacrifice present-day circumstances. Meaning they may ignore important issues that need attention in the moment – because they’re future-focused. And, they may miss other opportunities because they’re so focused on the goal. Again, any of this sound familiar?
BEST PRACTICES
Well, in spite of a few challenges or shortcomings, they are many good practices that visionary leaders exhibit.
• Good visionary leaders understand that VALUE of a mission statement. They know how it can solidify the vision among team members. They begin a project with a clearly though-out plan that includes everything from processes to staff analysis.
• Visionary leaders are always looking for improvement. They actively seek out opportunities to create buy-in from employees by improving company structures.
• Visionary leaders share the vision with the right people at the right time. They invite others to give input and ideas, so the vision is shared and not just the property of ONE person.
Now, if any of these best practices are things that you also do, you are in good company!
THE BUSINESS ASPECT
So, the question is… why is visionary leadership important in business? Well, for a business to be successful, its leaders must be passionate, strong-willed, and equipped with the necessary knowledge to achieve long-term goals. And, as we established earlier, visionary leaders possess these foundational traits, but they have even more to offer! They have a keen ability to both envision the company or team’s future and to rally employees around a shared vision. And in business, visionary leaders understand that inspiring and motivating employees to embrace discipline and creativity is required to make their vision a reality.
PROS/CONS OF A VISIONARY LEADER
But of course, there are a few Pros and Cons to being a visionary leader. They think creatively and proactively; produce innovative ideas; are forward-focused; and they easily build team trust.
However, their focus can at times be shifted away from current challenges in favor of looking to the future. Their inspiration may fizzle out due to present dilemmas. And of course – I’ve seen this one and most likely so have you — If the leader leaves, the vision may go with them.
FOUR TIPS TO IMPROVE
So, there you have it! I’ve shared the attributes and best practices of a visionary leader, as well as, some of the challenges they face in communicating and implementing their vision. So, before I close, I’d like to leave you with four brief tips that you can start implementing today to become more effective as a visionary leader. They are:
- Keep CALM and be CONSISTENT, even in times of conflict. If you are persistent, overtime your vision will become a reality.
- EMPATHIZE. Be open to viewing things from a different perspective, even if it’s different from your own.
- Practice good COMMUNICATION SKILLS, maintaining eye contact and asking clarifying questions when communicating your vision.
- Be ASSERTIVE, maintaining confidence while still being respectful of others.
About the AUTHOR
Theo Gilbert-Jamison is CEO of Performance Solutions by Design, a consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that helps organizations exceed expectations by elevating the customer experience from average to extraordinary.
She is also author of several leadership books to include: The Six Principles of Service Excellence, and The Leadership Book of Numbers, Volumes 1 & 2. Prior to launching Performance Solutions by Design in 2003, she was VP of Learning & Development with Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company where she enjoyed a 17-year career.
Theo was also a key contributor, instrumental in implementing and sustaining processes and systems that led to The Ritz-Carlton becoming a two-time recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.