I like to remind people: ‘If you aim for nothing, you will hit it with amazing accuracy’. But even clear goals are not enough as they can feel pointless and empty unless they are consistent with your business’ bigger vision. Find out more about these two hallmarks of effective leadership: clear goals and vision.
Have you ever noticed a lack of focus in yourself or in your team? Do you sometimes lose track of the reason why your tasks have the priorities they do? Or how they fit into the ‘big picture’ of your business growth? If so, it may be time to think again about your business vision and your business goals. Vision and goals are easily confused, but successful leaders never forget the difference.
Your Vision & Goals
Effective leaders have a vision for their business that explains what the business will look like and feel like in the future. A vision includes your ‘why’; why is this worth working towards? Effective leaders also know that you get closer to your vision by accomplishing clear goals. They recognise that a vision and clear goals are essential for maintaining focus, motivation and a sense of purpose and achievement for both themselves and their staff.
While the vision is a big-picture, long-term view, goals define the steps that need to be taken in the short- and medium-term. Goals are a vital planning tool that organise the work required into manageable chunks. Goals can be ticked off, providing personal satisfaction and professional achievement. Leaders know the yearly, monthly, weekly and daily goals that represent progress towards the vision. At the same time, the business vision helps individuals understand the reasons for the goals they are working on.
Goals without Vision
Without a vision, your team won’t really know where they’re going, or why. Goals help them stay focussed, and this improves productivity.
Vision without Goals
Without goals to break work into manageable chunks, there’s no coordinated way of moving closer to your vision. There may be no lack of enthusiasm in your team, but as a business you will waste resources and productivity will suffer.
Get clear on your vision and your goals. They really are hallmarks of strong leadership.