It’s ironic that perfect vision is denoted as 20/20 when 2020’s vision is so unclear right now. As we come to the end of this series we discuss vision as the final leadership trait. Generally, vision is something that is future thinking. But right now I want to look back at the entire series and discuss our vision for teaching the children these traits.
At LAAS we say that we are training the leaders of tomorrow. Even more so than advanced education and differentiated curriculum, our leadership lessons give the students important tools that will help progress their careers. We have gone through twenty-one important characteristics of a good leader. This series has covered everything from character, to listening, to self-discipline. So many leadership lessons focus on traits like confidence and motivation, but traits like servanthood and generosity are left on the back burner. These “softer” traits are just as important as traits like initiative.
Today we talk about another leadership trait that is not necessarily at the forefront of leadership training. Vision is important for goal setting, focus, and planning. It also allows leaders to see potential future hardships, opportunities, and threats. Leaders should have a clear vision of the next steps of success for the company. Having this vision makes it easier to plan and implement tactics and strategies that will allow the company to move towards success.
Vision becomes tricky when going through difficult times such as these. As a leader, you must maintain future vision even during hardships. Right now leaders are being asked to make plans for a future that entails a lot of uncertainty. It’s important for leaders to be level headed and to try to make decisions that are the best for the entirety of the company and its stakeholders. I have encouraged the students in my classes to pay attention to CEOs of companies. This is a great time to witness good vision and leadership as well as bad vision and leadership. There are so many things we can learn about leadership by observing other leaders in a time of crisis. I believe good leaders are communicating clear visions and expectations for the current situation. One thing that our young leaders will hopefully take from this experience is the importance of crisis planning in the company vision. A successful vision is one that includes not only the essential, necessary, and high priority items. A good vision is all-encompassing and should include plans for unforeseen circumstances.
There is a great way that our students can practice vision during the quarantine. Future leaders, with the extra time you have at home, take some time to develop the vision for your own life. Think about what you want to be when you grow up. Where do you want to go to college? What kind of job would you like to have and what will it take to get qualified for that job? Developing and implementing a vision for your own life will help hone this skill and make you more prepared to be a visionary leader. Go online and do some research and start planning for your future. This practice will develop more skills and traits on this list than just vision. Get motivated and take control of what you can control right now. By doing this, you will be taking important first steps to become a great leader.
- Bria