Vision and Goals

Vision and goals are very important aspects of leadership. Vision is necessary to keep everyone working together and to give them something attainable to work toward. Vision is what compels people to move forward even when faced by tough situations. Goals are necessary in order to create the vision. The goals set a clear step by step process. Goals allow the leader and the employees a sense of direction toward making the vision a reality. In order for the vision to be attainable, it first must be clearly understood by all. Imagine you are running late for dinner so you ask a family member to peel half the potatoes. You get home to find that all the potatoes were only half peeled. Is this what you intended to get done? No, but it is what the other person heard. This is only a minor incident, but there are times when an unclear message could result in extreme errors. If you are a leader by career and your visions and goals are unclear this could lead to chaos and negativity in the workplace, underperformance, and ultimately the loss of your job. Vision gives a leader purpose. This purpose is to ensure that the organization continually moves forward. In order for this to occur, the vision has to be clearly understood by the employees. People tend to be more comfortable in their work when they understand the overall vision. This leads to higher morale and job satisfaction which, in turn, leads to greater productivity. Goals provide direction. Having direction is very important when wanting to continually move forward. Goals provide the drive that fuels people toward what motivates them. Goals give people focus and accountability. With direction, drive, focus and accountability it is much easier to be successful. Putting forth a clear vision and setting goals becomes a way to measure success. Therefore, in order to be a successful leader, it is important to create a clear vision as well as a clear set of goals. The vision and goals set by the leader give the followers direction and meets their needs for being included, feeling valued and accomplished.Without vision and goals, leadership lacks any drive and the workplace becomes chaotic, underproductive and unsuccessful.