The following is reprinted with permission from AchieveIt.
Is vision important? Based on the hospital vision statements that have come across our desks recently, we are beginning to wonder whether they are. So many are either vague, timid, or were actually accomplished by the organization years ago.
A vision statement is sometimes called a picture of your organization in the future, but it's so much more than that. Your vision statement is your inspiration, the framework for all your strategic planning.
What you are doing when creating a vision statement is articulating your dreams and hopes for your organization. It reminds you of what you are trying to build.
While a vision statement doesn't tell you how you're going to get there, it does set the direction for your business planning. That's why it's important when crafting a vision statement to let your imagination go and dare to dream — and why it's important that a vision statement captures your passion.
When writing a vision statement, be sure you don't fall into the trap of only thinking ahead a year or two. Once you have one, your vision statement will have a huge influence on decision making and the way you allocate resources, as well as strategy development. Does your vision statement need a facelift? If so, here is a simple three-step process to get you going:
1. Gather your management team and tell them to think ahead 10 years from now. What will your organization be known for? Think big. Stretch yourself. Dream. Ten years is a long time. Consider this: John F. Kennedy's vision of putting a man on the moon was realized in only eight years. You have 10. What will you accomplish?
2. The list of achievements that each person created probably has three or four really exciting ideas — maybe even more. Which one is the most inspiring? The one that can serve as a rallying point for the organization? The one that they are willing to commit to? Ask them to write it down.
3. After all of your team members have submitted their responses, review the various responses and then collaborate with your team to reach consensus on the vision of the organization. Then communicate that vision internally to everyone who matters.
Don't underestimate the power that a strong vision has [for] the organization, your strategic planning preparation and your brand.
Do Brand Values Make a Difference?
A Hospital Brand That Transcends Market Forces
Is vision important? Based on the hospital vision statements that have come across our desks recently, we are beginning to wonder whether they are. So many are either vague, timid, or were actually accomplished by the organization years ago.
A vision statement is sometimes called a picture of your organization in the future, but it's so much more than that. Your vision statement is your inspiration, the framework for all your strategic planning.
What you are doing when creating a vision statement is articulating your dreams and hopes for your organization. It reminds you of what you are trying to build.
While a vision statement doesn't tell you how you're going to get there, it does set the direction for your business planning. That's why it's important when crafting a vision statement to let your imagination go and dare to dream — and why it's important that a vision statement captures your passion.
When writing a vision statement, be sure you don't fall into the trap of only thinking ahead a year or two. Once you have one, your vision statement will have a huge influence on decision making and the way you allocate resources, as well as strategy development. Does your vision statement need a facelift? If so, here is a simple three-step process to get you going:
1. Gather your management team and tell them to think ahead 10 years from now. What will your organization be known for? Think big. Stretch yourself. Dream. Ten years is a long time. Consider this: John F. Kennedy's vision of putting a man on the moon was realized in only eight years. You have 10. What will you accomplish?
2. The list of achievements that each person created probably has three or four really exciting ideas — maybe even more. Which one is the most inspiring? The one that can serve as a rallying point for the organization? The one that they are willing to commit to? Ask them to write it down.
3. After all of your team members have submitted their responses, review the various responses and then collaborate with your team to reach consensus on the vision of the organization. Then communicate that vision internally to everyone who matters.
Don't underestimate the power that a strong vision has [for] the organization, your strategic planning preparation and your brand.
More Articles on AchieveIt:
The Relationship Between Brand and ValuesDo Brand Values Make a Difference?
A Hospital Brand That Transcends Market Forces