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Were on the Road to Nowhere

Author: Bill Nelson Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 06-07-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 8 | Rating:  (194) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
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Bill Nelson

 

Where are you and the team headed?

Do you know and do they?

One of the things I constantly hear from team leaders is that their vision or plan to go forward is all in their head. Which is great for the team leader but what about the team?

One of the great frustrations of leadership is that you cannot get the team to do what it is you want them to do. Well before we get into this area too far, let's just look at one part of the problem but with two important questions.

1.Does the team know and understand what you are asking them to do?

2. Does the team know and understand where it is they are being lead as an end result?

You see people will follow a lead for any number of reasons but three of the keys to effective leadership is :

 




  • Clearly defined and understood direction




 

 




  • The belief that the leader is competent in what they do




 

 




  • That the leader can be trusted




 

Now it is one thing to have a vision and another to have a vision that works. There are many reasons why visions do and do not work. For the vision to really have the effect and benefit that it is capable of it must have character, it must have values and standards, it must have that quality that people want to gravitate toward.

So if your team is looking toward a single idea or concept that is going to help pull everyone together with not only a common direction, but a common purpose. Then develop a vision that does represent the team, the people with in it, the direction in which you want to go and the goals and standards to which you aspire.

A vision of this calibre will provide direction and in most cases this is what a team is looking for. A vision of this calibre will provide motivation, but should not be looked upon as the only source of motivation. A vision of this calibre will provide the outlet for the teams commitment and inspiration.

But the vision can never do this if all it is, is a series of thoughts and feelings inside the team leaders head. The team probably has many individual and combined skills, however mind reading is more than likely not one of them.

For the vision to really have the strength of which it is capable it must have the team take ownership of it. This can not be done until such times as the team knows what the vision is, what it represents and how it applies and benefits them.

So not only is the success of the vision dependant upon it's makeup but also on the ability of the team and its leader to clearly communicate with each other what it is, what it is about, the benefits of it and what the end result will be for the commitment to the vision.

So from the team point of view if you want them to follow the direction of the leader, let them know where the direction is headed. Get them involved in creating the processes needed to achieve the vision. The more the team is included the more the team will be in a position to take ownership of the vision and be committed toward it.

Earlier I pointed out that a strong vision will have the ability to direct people toward a common direction and more importantly with a common purpose. One of the ways a vision does this is that it provides consistency of approach for both the team and its leader. It helps in the area of consistency of direction, consistency of leadership, consistency of decision making.

A vision will also provide you with a reference point to refer your success back toward. A vision will keep all involved with a clear direction when times of adversity and pressure come. A vision will provide the focus when the distractions and misunderstanding are encountered. A vision will provide the opportunity to prepare the team for anything the opposition can develop and implement.

One of the greatest advantages from a strong vision is that it will unite the team. It will provide them with a direction and a sense of purpose. It will provide the team with a direction for their goals. It will provide the team with an direction and purpose from which they can develop their mission statement.

Above and beyond all of this it will provide each and every team member with a sense of belonging. A strong vision will help highlight the roles and responsibilities of each and every team member. The vision will provide the members of the team with the feeling of being involved in something special.

If your vision has the essence and the magnitude to do these types of things, can you imagine what it will do for the individuals involved ? Can you begin to imagine what they team will be prepared to do to see the vision being pursued. Can you imagine how far a vision like this can take the individuals and the team as a unit out of their comfort zone. Can you believe what the scope for increased productivity, efficiency and commitment might be?

Then get the vision out on the table and get the team to divert from the road to nowhere and get them heading to where you all want to be!

© 2008 Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd

For More Information Visit www.totalperformance.com.au

Or Email us totalperformance@totalperformance.com.au.

 

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About the Author:

Bill Nelson is an elite international sporting coach who has turned his knowledge of developing peak team and individual performance into a world-class corporate consultancy, Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd.

Bill’s wisdom on the science of motivation, performance coaching and team building has been utilised by business organisations, defence forces, the real estate and telecommunications industries, educational institutions, local government, numerous businesses and elite sporting programs throughout the world.

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