Seven Disciplines of A Leader

6Discipline 2: Vision, Strategy, and AlignmentThe Progression from Plans to Accomplishments Marks a True Leader

Highly effective leaders engage others in creating a clear, compelling, and inspiring vision, and communicate it in such a way that everyone understands it and in a way that motivates and inspires people to work as a team toward common goals. Only then will people be motivated. Leaders must clearly define and paint an exciting path to the future, while providing ethical and logical reasons as to why they're moving in a specific direction. They must articulate a clear framework and provide a cogent message that delineates each individual's role in realizing the vision. This builds support and enthusiasm, creating a culture where people are aligned and eager to participate in achieving company goals.

Leaders must also create excitement and spark people's imaginations regarding what the future holds. When strategies, objectives, and paths to success are clearly defined, individuals, teams, and organizations will be motivated, inspired, and energized.

Bruce, the CEO of a large corporation, had been in his position for about 18 months, and he had never communicated his vision of where he wanted to take the company. Employees were performing their roles and working hard, but they received no direction and had no idea of what to expect or the direction in which the company was going.

Through coaching, Bruce was instructed to articulate his vision for the future. He was reminded ...