A Vision That Impacts What You Do

Part I of our three-part series “The Power of a Vision: Your Guiding Light” illuminates the culture-shaping capacity of vision.

• Part I – A Vision That Impacts What You Do
• Part II – Why Maintaining the Vision Is So Challenging
• Part III – Turning Vision Into Reality

The visioning process can be challenging, but it is essential for sustainability. When working with clients, we are often asked, “Aren’t purpose and vision the same? Aren’t we always doing both?”

The answer is yes…and no.

Without clarity of their vision, organizations gradually adjust current practices instead of transforming to achieve something much greater.

My 21-year tenure with Michigan Athletics provides some useful analogies.

When University of Michigan’s Head Football Coach Lloyd Carr looked at a game schedule that was widely regarded as the most challenging in the country, instead of fixating on it as a whole, he offered his players a different perspective: The team was climbing Mount Everest.

Each game represented a single step. Each step is part of a climb, just one action in a lengthy process. The goal was simple: reach the summit together.

That picture clarified their focus to be on the next step, the next game—that was all. In the end, they finished the climb undefeated and won the NCAA National Championship.

Your North Star

For centuries, sailors have relied on the North Star to guide their journey. It stays fixed in the sky, providing direction, especially during times of uncertainty. Leaders need that same guidance.

In today’s environment of increasing demands and limited resources, a clear vision is crucial as that North Star. It guides decision-making and provides stability when challenging situations arise or there is a need to change. Without it, we tend to react quickly in the short term. With it, we aim for a better future.

Vision Beyond the Moment

Great leaders recognize that vision acts as a guiding light toward something bigger and more enduring.

My football coach at Michigan, Bo Schembechler, lived and led with a future-focused mindset. His impact wasn’t measured only by wins but by what he built in people and the lasting influence he left long after he was gone. His vision emphasized the positive effect his players would have on their communities. In one game, a young quarterback was struggling, but Bo kept him in. We lost the game, but the confidence Bo showed in the quarterback helped him grow and eventually become a great player for the team, and it doubtless had a strong positive effect on his life. A vision goes beyond immediate success. It shapes cultures that influence people and improve lives. It moves us from merely achieving to actively contributing toward building a better tomorrow.

When the Destination Is Unclear

At FS/A, we collaborated with a client who described their vision as “Boston,” something distant to aim for. It was a powerful metaphor but lacked clarity. What did success really look like?

Through deeper work, they clarified their vision: to be recognized as the suspension company that improves lives. Their vision shifted from focusing solely on their product to emphasizing the impact on their customers and the experience they create among themselves.

Vision as a Decision-Making Guide

The true power of vision shows itself under pressure. At one point, this organization faced serious internal tension related to a new product line. The opportunity was promising, but it caused division within the team. Their vision gave them the clarity to shut down the new line. Not because the product lacked potential, but because it conflicted with their desired way of working together.

Today, the organization is thriving. Their vision helped guide their difficult decision.

The Hidden Conflict

If vision is so important and powerful, why is it often neglected? Because it competes with the demands of today.

Leaders are asked to do more with less. The pressure is immediate, and our natural response is to act quickly, to fix, and to solve, and we are rewarded for doing so. Adrenaline fuels urgency, dopamine celebrates completion, and endorphins help us push through. These are valuable assets, but they also lead us toward immediate gratification or achievement.

Vision requires something different. It challenges us to step back and invest in what isn’t yet there to bring us closer to the vision. We are asked to make choices today that may not give immediate results but will build a safer, more secure future. Our reward for greater fulfillment comes later.

Closing Thoughts

A clear vision is more than just inspiration; it functions as a guide for disciplined decision-making and ultimately leads to a better tomorrow. Without it, we excel at maintaining the present. With a compelling vision, we begin preparing to build something even more meaningful.

Reflection Questions

• What is your clear, true North Star?
  • Can it guide you in strategic decision-making?
  • Does your vision impact not only your customers, but your team?
• Are you transforming your actions for a better future, or simply improving today?

Next Week, Part II – Why Maintaining the Vision Is So Challenging

In Part II, we will examine why maintaining vision is so challenging, and how our biology, systems, and daily pressures subtly restrict the attention a better future requires.