When the British olympic 8-way rowing team wasn’t getting the medals they hoped for in the 1996 olympics, they decided to make a drastic change. That change wasn’t related to the teammembers or replacing the trainer. That change was about determining a clear VISION.
Their vision consisted of 7 words and resulted in that same team winning the Olympic gold medal only 4 years later: “Will it make the boat go faster?”
While it may be difficult to capture your vision statement in seven words, I often see the same mistakes that take away the power of vision statements.
Having an inspiring dream will act as a compass in making important strategic decisions.
There are plenty of inspiring examples out there. SpaceX’ dream is “We want to save humanity”. How is that for inspiring?
Putting your vision on paper is just a first step. Next, make it ‘live’ within the organisation. Putting the vision out there, literally, is the most powerful statement you can make!
Figuring out this answer might be the most powerful move you make this year…
Looking forward to your comments below.
Managing Partner +32 (0)499 56 78 60 /in/simonanthonis simon.anthonis@vodw.ey.com @EYVODW