In the best schools I know, the vision is embedded in everything every stakeholder does, be it Headteacher, staff, students, parents or governors.Many of these visions have been driven by an initial spark from a visionary head teacher, but then this headteacher has skilfully involved each and every stakeholder in defining the vision and keeping it alive in the school every day.
Many of these visions have been driven by an initial spark from a visionary head teacher, but then this headteacher has skilfully involved each and every stakeholder in defining the vision and keeping it alive in the school.
I was sent a newsletter this week from the two visionary leaders at Motivational Leadership containing their 4 elements to consider when setting a vision:
Developing the Vision
When teams fail it is often because the vision has either been forgotten or ‘lost’ by team members or, as is often the case, it was never articulated by the leader in the first place.
But setting the vision is more than articulating some desired future state to ‘rally the troops’. Instead, there are four elements to consider:
- The leader must project and hold a clear personal style – a strong sense of ‘who they are’ that is visible to others.
- The leader must keenly observe and listen to the information available to assess where improvements can be made that will benefit the organisation – rather than out of a self-serving desire to ‘make a mark’.
- The leader must manage the complexity of the situation without being submerged by it. Retaining an overview of the bigger picture is essential.
- The leader must use the information assembled to create the vision and communicate it. Developing a clear sense of direction and transmitting the enthusiasm that comes from real clarity will sustain the team.
It is people that make the difference. Make sure you know what difference you want them to make.
