vision
Aligning people with a compelling view of the future
What can a sustainability leader do?
Some thoughts to start the conversation.
Tell a story from the future: what has the organization accomplished and how did it get there? Make the vision both exciting and plausible.
Collect the most compelling elements of the vision from people around you; retain gems while avoiding a “vision by committee”
Convey the human impact — how will lives be affected in the future?
Use metaphors that are visual or sensual — what will people see or feel?
Convey the business impact. How will customers or employees be engaged? Costs reduced? Opportunities found? Competition won?
Hone the vision by trying it on many people and retaining elements that resonate.
Strive for simplicity; remove the unnecessary components to create the shortest, simplest, most compelling view of the future.
Use the vision as you begin to align people and resources; make it part of your communication routine.
Find a way to keep it fresh over time, by working in unique elements while retaining a core vision.
Try variations for different types of audiences; speak to their unique perspectives and needs.
Allow the vision to come from your spirit, with true energy; speak from your heart in a way that is both rehearsed and spontaneous.