Larry on Business: Business Leadership 2: Role of Leadership to Establish a Clear Vision

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Business Leadership 2: Role of Leadership to Establish a Clear Vision

This continues our series on leaders roles and traits for owners of small-businesses

Small-business owners must fill several leadership roles. Most major leadership authors agree that establishing a clear vision for the business remains chief among the roles. Vision directs large companies to move in the same direction. In addition, vision stabilizes smaller companies. Small-business owners without vision can find their business tossing to and fro like a ship without a rudder.

Purpose of a Clear Vision

A business vision provides guidance in the midst of strategic decision making. The Women’s Business Momentum Center states “The purpose of a business vision and mission for that matter, is to

Guide not only YOU but also your employees, your clients, your affiliates, your partners and your tribe of raving fans
A great vision recruits people.
It excites them about what you are doing
It compels them to ask ‘How can I get involved?’, ‘How can I help?’, and ‘How can I be a part of this?’”

Stephen R. Covey outlined the purpose of mission statement:

“It focuses on what you want to be and do.
It is your plan for success.
It reaffirms who you are, puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world.
Your mission statement makes you the leader of your own life.
You create your own destiny and secure the future you envision.”

Peter Drucker wrote

"Mission and Philosophy is the key starting point in business.
A business is not defined by its name, statutes, or articles of incorporation.
It is defined by the business mission.
Only a clear definition of the mission and purpose of the organization makes possible clear and realistic business objectives."

Methods for Establishing a Clear Vision

Several authors share methods for establishing clear visions: