Do you want your vision to flourish? Then make it inclusive so it can expand. Make it easy for people to plug in.
Otherwise, it’s all you.
If your vision is not inclusive, then you squeeze people out, even if you don’t mean too.
Vision is a powerful tool for energizing people around an idea, and it’s a great way to shape the “future state” that you’d like to see. Like Covey said, ““All things are created twice; first mentally; then physically. The key to creativity is to begin with the end in mind, with a vision and a blue print of the desired result.”
But, there’s a catch.
For your vision to catch fire, you need to get others on board. Otherwise, it’s a lone effort, or like pushing rocks uphill. The real key comes down to how you think about, and talk about, your vision. Is your vision all about you and what you’re capable of, or is it about what we can do together? It also comes down to how you make space for others and empower others to help with the vision. If you can share a clear and compelling vision, people like to help. Of course, compelling is in the eye of the beholder. And, people like to help those that appreciate and acknowledge the help.
In his book, Vision: Your Pathway to Victory, Gordon D’Angelo shares some clear and simple strategies to help you amplify the impact of your vision by inspiring others to help. I think D’Angelo did a great job highlighting the power of including others, and why it’s so important. Below are my favorite snippets.
Invite Them In
Sure you can summon your own strengths, but you can also invite others in by calling on their talents. Carve out a way for them to make impact. Invoke people to do what they do best and acknowledge their contribution. D’Angelo writes:
“When you spend a lot of time saying I built this house or I great this business you would be better off saying how can I inspire other people and recognize them for what they have done to help my vision? What other energies can I capture?”
Don’t Fall Into the Trap of Self-Reliance
If you make your vision all about you, then you are all you’ve got. You can move a lot more mass and build a lot more momentum if you get the power of the people on your side. D’Angelo writes:
“The second most common anti-visionary process is self reliance. Many people rely too heavily on themselves. In other words, they think they are the only ones who can get the job done. In other words, they think they are the only ones who can get the job done. You are the visionary and therefore the most integral part of your vision, but you cannot achieve the vision in a reasonable timeframe alone. In the rare cases that you can, you will lessen the future of expansion and acceleration. It is much easier to realize and incorporate the multifaceted masses of energy all around to help you achieve your vision more efficiently and eternally. Turn your self-reliance into perfecting and utilizing the strengths of others, while you advance to the next phase.”
The Greatest Visionaries Expand
Have you noticed how some people seem to have a knack for attracting people to their ideas? They don’t micromanage. They frame challenges and opportunities. D’Angelo writes:
“The greatest visionaries are not the foreman type that micromanage everything. Instead they are delegating, educating, expanding, and utilizing all resources. This frees them to think at a higher level while inviting the participation of others.”
Unleash an Unlimited Number of Contributors
Don’t let your shadow get in the way of other people’s light. D’Angelo writes:
“What is visionary is to acknowledge anybody and any source that helped, because that gives you a key to access the energy of that person(s) and increases it. Whatever energy we have and whatever recognition we deserve, it is far less than the expansion of the unlimited number of contributors who want to be a part of a great vision.”
If you have a vision, is it inclusive? Are you thanking those that are helping you make it happen?
You Might Also Like
- Guide Your Path with Vision, Values, and Goals
- How To Paint a Future Picture to Share Your Vision
- Vision, Mission, and Values
Image by geezaweezer.
Agile Results Quickstart