"vision"

Most business owners strive to have a clear vision as to where their business is going.

Many feel the vision defines the ultimate objective for what the company should be. While it's important to be clear on where you're going, so you can build plans to get there, you shouldn't imagine your current vision is the ultimate one for the business.

As soon as you implement the first plan, the first step towards achieving the vision, your business environment and much of what's in that environment changes. Your vision may well have to be altered to accommodate those changes. Therefore, the "Company Vision" needs to be seen as fluid and adaptable rather than chiseled in granite.((

A startup business, in its entrepreneurial mode, will often see itself as being all things to all people. No surprise there, because the hallmark of an entrepreneur is to do whatever is necessary to accommodate the needs of the next potential customer and get the order. Unfortunately, most customers are not looking for a jack-of-all-trades. They're looking to do business with a company that can demonstrate special knowledge or capabilities in providing the products or services desired. You should recall the phrase, "jack-of-all-trades," ends with, "and master of none."

Others have a laser vision as to what they want the company to be. While that is better than the "jack-of-all-trades," if you pursue 'laser vision' with 'tunnel vision', you are likely to miss good opportunities that are a part of the changing business landscape. Regardless of how you approach "The Vision Thing," review it at least annually to make certain it's still meaningful. That way, if there need to be any midcourse corrections to any initiatives built around and supporting the vision, they can be made.

Whether you're establishing a new vision or altering an existing one it is extremely important to publicize this widely within your company. Hang it on the wall, put it in the pay envelope, discuss in the company newsletter and challenge the organization to challenge the vision to make it more reflective of how they see the company's future. You get the point. It needs to be a living, breathing call to action for your organization. You want to make certain that every person within your business can not only state what the vision is, but be able to demonstrate they understand it. After all, you have to remember that you don't run your company. Your people run the company! If they don't fully understand the vision and have it at the top of their mind, they won't be in a position to look at their everyday actions and decisions to determine if they are the best way to support the vision.

Good luck with your "Vision."
May all your actions be Silver Bullets.

By: Sam Langfitt

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Sam Langfitt has more than 40 years of diverse business experience. This experience was gained leading companies overseas as well as domestically, with successful turnaround, M & A, joint venture and strategic partnering activities. He has served on Boards of Directors in Europe, Canada and the U.S. Mr. Langfitt has owned and operated two businesses, including his current practice, advising business, owners, CEOs and Presidents. Visit www.TriselCoaching.com/ Sam Langfitt
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