Thought Leadership and Vision
April 15, 2009
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” – Prov. 29.18
Drawing from this ancient wisdom, leaders of communities are reminded of the power, importance and influence that “vision” has on people. Every significant social cause or movement that has had a transitional impact on the status-quo of society can be traced back to a thought, an idea, and a vision that became a strong voice for and of the people. As we examine the important contributions made in service to people, whether they are great organizations, institutions or inventions of particular products, they all began in the mind of one person, or a group of people, who then proceeded to produce a strategy of implementation that gave voice to the vision.
During this time of economic uncertainty and with so much at stake, I cannot think of a more important time where a clear and wise vision is needed from leaders at every level of society. It is expected that a lot of rhetoric will be spoken from all our political leaders, but we should not depend solely upon government for the kind of direction needed on the ground in our day to day experience. Political leaders tend to point out problems, who or what is to blame and then follow with the rhetoric of promises for change.
However, we have watched this re-run picture so many times before only to be disappointed as the good intentions of the new elected leader always seem to get side tracked and then explained away as the establishment political machine does what it does best; cause politicians to break their campaign promises. How many times have we heard through the years that Washington Politics are “broken” and that “change” is needed, yet, our nation continues down the slope of over spending, national debt, and economic policies that favor globalism evidenced by more downsizing, lay-offs and manufacturing jobs transferred overseas? The truth is no one politician or President has the power to bring the kind of change needed and once in office they discover this and usually end up “playing ball” on the field of business as usual. This is not to say they did not have good intentions, but weighing re-election against breaking campaign promises usually favors the former. It seems to me that those with vision, good intentions and the best and brightest ideas, need to avoid public office in order to be effective in meeting the real needs of their community.
Vision and leadership is often thought of as coming from someone in charge of an organization or elected to public office. Or we assume that in order for someone to lead they must start their own organization to implement their ideas and vision. While that may be true in some instances, it need not always be the case. And while a thought leader does not necessarily have to be in charge of the people or organization, he or she must be willing to challenge the status-quo of dysfunction, ineffectiveness, stagnancy and/or inequality with a better idea. After all, vision and expertise are not only found at the administrative level. History has shown us that those on the front lines of community service also have a lot to offer by way of solutions relevant to the people they serve. I suggest one key for decision makers is learning how to tap this important resource of thinking that could prove to enhance the vision and bottom line of the community.
