Fast Forward Vision & St Patrick: Behavioral Leadership
Viewpoint by Andrew Thorn, PhD., WCW Columnist
Over the weekend, we entered daylight savings time. Soon it will be St. Patrick’s Day, green beer and celebration. Bo Derek doesn’t immediately springs to mind, but if you go to Hot Spring, Arkansas, she will be the grand marshal at this year’s First Ever Seventh Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This quirky parade will feature Irish belly dancers, Irish Elvis impersonators, Irish Wolfhounds, and green fireworks, and includes a pub crawl.
As a result, my run this morning was extremely dark and treacherous. There was no four-leaf clover. It wasn’t just the time change, we are also in a new moon period. This “AM”, I could barely see twenty feet ahead of me. I had to do my best to avoid even the smallest of lights from nearby houses or cars. If I looked directly into them, I couldn’t see anything for a good while after. Running blind is not a good recipe.
I am very familiar with the path, but this morning, I could not distinguish the safe footings in the uneven terrain. As a result, I became more and more fatigued with each cautious step. Finally, I had to stop and walk because the physical and emotional stress were too much for me to bear.
Vision
As I ran, I was reminded of what it is like to be a follower of a leader who does not light the way with a clear and defined vision. It really makes it much more difficult to follow, even when we are on familiar ground. Leaders could, and would be much more effective, if they would just take the time to regularly establish, and reestablish their vision for their stakeholders.
Because in their own minds, they are so clear about their vision, they think that everyone else is too. They always seemed to be surprised when they discover that their followers are not equally clear. Sadly, the problem usually goes unrecognized until somebody gets hurt or makes a mistake that causes the whole organization some level of pain.
Clean Up On Aisle 4
Good leaders know how to clean up these types of messes, but outstanding ones know how to prevent the mess from happening in the first place. They take the time to regularly connect each person with the over arching vision and their individual role in making it happen. Both steps are necessary to stay on track.
What vision are you responsible for bringing to light?
Do you take the time to regularly connect your stakeholders to your vision?
What is the smallest step you can take today to shine the light on your vision?
It really doesn’t take that long to do this. It just takes a solid commitment to the process. Don’t believe that your people don’t need it, they do. Four leaf clover is more than just a magical plant and St. Patrick is more than just a saint.
Use the clock as a reminder. At the very least, remember to reconnect them to the vision when we enter and exit daylight savings time. They will appreciate your regular attention to making sure everything is clear. Just do it!
Live Today! Love Today!
