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The success of an organization is tied to her vision and quality of execution. Based on surveys it is predicted that 90% of new start up businesses will die within the first two years of start up. One of the major reasons for the failures could be traced to their vision. The longevity of a business is determined by certain foundational factors and a major part of that is the soundness of the organization's vision. A great vision possesses some core ingredients and If you are desirous of finding out how your business or organization's vision stands in relation to its viability then consider the following 7 key ingredients of a great vision:
1) Purpose
The purpose of a vision is the why of the vision, the very essence of the business. Most of the businesses that made the 100 years mark were born out of a heartfelt burden to address certain problems in their community or the world at large. Their ultimate aim was to make a difference ,not making dollars. That mindset inspired them to create products or services that speak to specific needs of the people. Your vision can be said to be on sound footing if it has a clear cut need it's meant to meet.
2) Cost
Every vision has a cost implication. For the most part, a vision is an idea that requires a certain level of money to execute.effectively. Without money, a great idea may become severely incapacitated. For example, if one had a wonderful vision to sponsor the university education of talented less privileged but has no means to bankroll the cost..His vision will not see the light of the day. So, if your vision doesn't take into account the financial requirements of a vision and a clear plan on how to meet it, such vision cannot be referred to as a great vision. A great vision captures the vital detail of all the possible operational costs and how it can be met.
3) Time
Every vision is time sensitive. That means a vision has a specific window of opportunity to debut and make the biggest impact. If it arrives earlier or later than that period of time,the likelihood of failure becomes quite high. A vision that missed the said window of opportunity is often a case of death on arrival because it won't be appreciated by people. For example, if Nelson Mandela fight against apartheid in South Africa came within the right frame of time. It cannot be taken seriously nor can it be appreciated if it came in the present day democratic South Africa. It will completely make no logical sense. It has to come the period that it came back then to be able to make such an impact that earned such global respect. Is your vision in sync with the times? If yes, then it may be on the right track.
4) Compelling
A great vision is clear and compelling . It is persuasive enough to elicit the support and commitment of others. Is your vision capable of generating and enjoying enthusiastic support and a strong commitment from other people? Do you have effective information flow? Does what your vision is set to achieve simple and clear to other people? Are people free to make honest and candid observations or opinions about the vision? Are the people clear about what your vision actually stands for, the task and expectations? Strong communication not only brings clarity of direction, it also helps in fanning the flames of passion in the people. If nobody is genuinely interested and willing to commit to your vision then it may not be regarded as a sound one.
5) People
Every vision needs people to get accomplished. A vision is as good as the people it attracts.. What kind of people exactly do you need to achieve the vision? Successful visions insist on getting and keeping the right people. Wrong people sabotage the efforts of the right people. When you execute a vision without a clear recruitment strategy and processes that makes sure only the right people get involved in the vision you may end up with a system filled with the wrong people. Wrong people breed mediocrity that ultimately sinks the vision.. If your vision is not clear about the right kind of people that is required to achieve it then its difficult to place it as a great vision.
6) Plan
A vision should be organized into a strategic plan. A strategy is simply a clear cut plan on how to compete and achieve your set objectives. What are other people that share similar vision doing? What separates you from others that you hope to leverage on? Why should someone for instance want to disregard his own personal path and commit to your vision? What will the vision look like in ten years time! These and some other key things are some of the questions that should form part of your vision strategy.If your plan does not clearly tell how it intends to integrate key factors of success, it will fail. Factors like leadership, the people, a clear goal,money,culture, environmental forces and foreseeable market changes and how it could affect the achievement of the vision and are not thoroughly thought through to produce a success blueprint,then your vision may be described as weak.
7) Behavior
Every vision requires a certain set of values and behavior to succeed. When behaviour and vision don't align, success becomes unreachable. A vision that is matched with clear character and culture expectations is much easier to achieve. Such vision is more likely to attract and keep the right people. If the right vision is driven by the wrong behavior,the objectives become unrealizable.
In conclusion, if your vision lacks the above mentioned components then it may not be classified as a great vision and sure needs a review.
