Before I share my thoughts on imparting a vision, let me start with one of my favorite verses found in Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing
In my humble opinion, vision is like a goal that serves a greater purpose as well as serves others. So ask yourself who does my vision serve; does it serve my company, my employees, my family and my community?
In order for a vision to be compelling it must be clear as to how it will serve others. It can’t be just about building a more profitable business or being the biggest or the best. That vision is fine but so what? What is the lasting impact of realizing your vision, how will others be impacted?
If your vision only focuses on growth, profit or personal rewards it will fall flat in the minds of others you rely on to help you fulfill that vision. All of us want to be a part of something greater than ourselves, serve a greater good even if it’s the biggest construction company and the best accounting firm. What will realization of this vision mean to you, your family, your team and others?
Your vision must move others to action by the good it will do for others. Will you donate more to ministry or charity? Will you start a foundation to help the needy? Will your employee’s lives be better as a result; will they benefit from the fulfillment as much as you will? If your vision embracing these principles the implementing is the easy part, get to it!
I am reminded of God’s vision for His people when he challenged Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. God’s vision was clear but I don’t think the people fully understood what this meant to them. It took them 40 years to fully realize the true vision of what God had in store for them, the Promise Land! Here’s what God shared with Moses in the book of Exodus….
Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” Exodus 3:10-12