Top-bottom, leader-follower, visionary-realist; organizations are often run along such clearly demarcated and firmly entrenched divisions. It takes courage and irreverence to break free of them, but the rewards are invigorating for both the individual and the company. Nurture your leadership aspirations by bringing vision to the table even if you are a manager outside the core C-suite. There are three elements to this: helping leaders craft the company’s vision; refining that vision for your team; and creating visionary goals that can be adopted at higher levels.
Crafting Company Vision
Foresight has always been a key trait of effective leaders. Regardless of the company’s size, the ability to anticipate and mold the future is key to success. This does not always have to be driven by someone inside the core decision-making circle. Good CEOs recognize that a wealth of ideas exists outside that group and actively solicit them. Don’t pass up the opportunity when it presents itself. Add your perception and insight to the conversation, volunteer your opinion when you can justify a change of direction, and use your seat at the table to make your personal vision part of the company vision.
Refining Company Vision at Team Level
Company culture, your position, and even timing all play a hand in whether you have direct input when the organization’s vision is crafted. However, you will always have a say in how that vision translates into real world results for your team. Work within the broad confines that have been set but be bold with how your team executes targets. Factors like geographical location, team talent, one-off opportunities, and creative interpretation can give you the foundation you need to infuse your vision into that of the company’s.
Bottom-Up Vision
Good leadership stems from good ideas and good leaders know that those ideas can come from anyone. In fact, the most successful leaders are those who have worked their way up and applied the lessons and insight that they have gained along the way. Don’t hold back when you know you have a vision for the company that diverges from its current one. Pitch your idea with passion and back it up with solid, rational reasoning. Even if it is not accepted in its entirety (or at all), the experience itself is empowering and brings your potential to the attention of senior leadership.
Do you need assistance in creating an internal network of differing perspectives? I provide coaching services and more for business leaders. Contact me today!
