What does vision mean to you?

Does it mean how you see, as in 20/20 eyesight? Or does it make you think of some kind of prophecy regarding forthcoming cataclysmic events?

In the marketplace, it’s neither of those (though by all means, have your eyes checked before 12/21/2012 rolls around, you know, just to be safe). Instead, vision should be the answer to this simple question: Where are you going?

The organization you lead will proceed toward one of two places: the destination of your choosing or one you didn’t intend. The catalyst for determining the right direction is vision. Rather than just a dream or a far-reaching, unattainable goal, vision is a realistic picture of what you want your organization to become, and the impact of that effort. It’s also a reflection of your values, why your business exists and what it will become in the future.

In his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell writes, “The truth is that nearly anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course… they see the whole trip in their minds before they leave the dock. They have a vision for their destination…”

Most employees probably don’t think much about it, but if a vision is to be attained, it must be shared by everyone within the organization. Leaders can talk about mission statements, but unless he or she convinces subordinates to share the vision, and equips them with the purpose to achieve it, the effort will not be enough. The captain can’t get his ship to port by himself—he needs a crew, motivated by purpose and the ultimate goal of reaching the destination. Every single detail of how to get there might not be available, but the captain puts goals in place for the crew and knows above all else they will reach their destination together.

That vision could be something quite grand and inspiring or might be something as simple as a quarterly goal. Regardless of its scale, as a leader, you must have a vision and cast it to those around you in order for it to be achieved. Here are five tips for doing so:

Broadcast Loud and Clear

Details are not necessary, but clearly identifying and communicating that vision to others is. Not only is establishing your vision the first step, it’s also the most important function for achieving it. Announce your intentions through meetings and other modes of communications so that everyone within your organization knows what course is being charted. Create a destination that is challenging yet realistic, and a set timeline for achieving it.

Involve Others

While you have a firm understanding of what your vision is, allow others within your organization to give feedback, help shape the process and fully develop it. Doing this provides a sense of ownership for everyone involved, thereby increasing their desire to help your vision become realized. Make your vision their vision.

Add Meaning

Andy Stanley writes in his book Visioneering that “vision gives significance to the otherwise meaningless details of our lives.” Stanley goes on to explain how the job of filling bags with dirt is nothing but an exercise in mundaneness. But if one is doing that same job to save his or her town from a flood, it has exceptional purpose. Whether you’re a software company or service provider, incorporate the benefits of using your product or area of expertise with your vision to achieve the greater good. While the ultimate goal is to be profitable, everyone wants their work to count towards something significant, whether that task is simply swabbing the deck or navigating the wheel. Even Coke has used this tactic on a global scale. Cheesy? Yes. Probability of unifying the world? Not likely. But this vision gave Coke employees a purpose (and a song to be stuck in our heads the rest of the day).

Make it Personal

A broad vision captures the big picture for your organization, but it takes the combined efforts of many different individuals to realize it. Incorporate personal goals for each position within your organization or team that contribute to the cause and are in line with your overall vision. Not only will it make each person feel like he or she contributed to capturing the vision, it will increase productivity and efficiency.

Encourage Keeping the Goal Always in Sight

Distractions and setbacks are bound to happen. To prevent them from thwarting your efforts, remind employees (and yourself) of the vision on a regular basis. Have employees consistently survey if what they are doing throughout their work day is moving them towards that desired destination, and if not, re-evaluate their efforts to get back on track. Encourage positive steps taken in the right direction and recognize individuals for making them.

This post is part of a leadership development series appearing on The Hiring Site. For more tips on how to grow your leadership skills and develop them in others within your organization, tune back each week.

What vision are you casting? How are you casting it? How is your organization striving to achieve its vision?