“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision.”
—Theodore Hesburgh
If you are in a leadership position (whether at work, home, volunteer area or all three) your role requires vision. And your vision leaks.
The vision you have as a leader leaks to those around you. In other words, people follow the cues their leaders give. There can be positive or negative leaks. There can be motivating or de-motivating leaks. The vision leaking principle applies both at home and at the office.
Here are some quick questions to ask yourself about your vision leaking:
(1) Can you quickly articulate your vision for your company, your family and your life?
I always recommend using six words or less. For example, my vision is “helping others elevate their life & business.” (Yes, that is the subtitle to Think Huge).
When day to day life hits at home and when tactical issues strike at work, it’s important that everyone understand why we do what we do. A strong vision helps those around us stay focused.
Leaking a strong vision for those around you is a sign of a true leader. Don’t wander aimlessly. Know what you want from your home and work life. Know what you want your team to accomplish.
If you have no vision, then you are leaking nothing. And your followers will notice that there is nothing coming from your vision.
(2) Is your vision leaking positive or negative images?
Are you optimistic the next six months will be better or do you have a pessimistic approach? The best leaders tend to be more optimistic in their attitude and approach on life (not necessarily Pollyanna but positive).
Whatever you are mulling over in your head leaks to others. If you thinking positive thoughts, then positive things come out.
For example, I struggled the past few years with what I call “negative self talk.” If something went wrong at home or work I took it really hard and beat myself up. I blamed myself and felt like I was a total failure. I was setting perfection as a standard (which of course I couldn’t reach).
And then one day I heard one of my daughters doing the exact same thing (talking negatively about herself). I wonder where she learned that habit? You guessed it—her father. I realized then that my negative tendencies has “leaked” to her.
So now I’m focusing on the positive. I’m trying not to lose sight of the bigger picture when little failures occur. In other words, I’m trying to leak positive.
(3) What is the size of your vision?
Is it huge or is it tiny? What do you expect—from yourself and those that work for you? Too often we only focus on incremental goals and thus limit ourselves. Someone is going to make the big sale, why shouldn’t it be you? Someone is going accomplish one of their lifelong goals this year, why shouldn’t it be you?
If you don’t expect much from your employees or your family, then that’s probably what you’re going to get—not much. However, if you expect greatness from those around you, then you’re far more likely to see greatness as well.
Don’t limit your vision. Your vision should be awe-inspiring and challenging. In other words, don’t set the bar so low that anyone could reach it. People are more inspired when they feel you want them to make a difference in life.
In some ways leaders are like a full cup of coffee. When you tip the coffee mug, something usually comes out. It’s the same way with your vision: when your followers (kids, employees, spouses, etc.) tip you something comes out—and hopefully it’s a strong vision.
So what are you leaking?
Think Huge
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