We Can't Preach Value

“A vision cannot be established in an organization by edict or by the exercise of power or coercion” (Bennis & Nanus, 1985)

            Vision is the driving force behind leaders. Without vision, a leader is not a leader. Leaders need to know where the company or organization is headed. They must peer into the future, make predictions, and put their organization on a path to be successful.  Vision is essential to a leader's worth.  Probably the one thing a leader does not want to hear is that they lack vision.

            Leaders attain vision through many lenses.  They will look at a history of an organization, the goals for the organization, and where they see themselves in the future.  The leader must align their vision with the mission of an organization. An effective leader cannot force their values on an organization, but work within the organization to effectively achieve its goals.

            Using coercion in the vision process can lead to devastating results.  The effective leader needs to communicate their vision at the beginning.  The leader will also need to assure that their vision is aligned with the mission of the organization.  You cannot have a leader who wants to do one thing, but it does not fit within the organization mission.  Finally, the leader must not be afraid to make a mistake.  Mistakes are just another way of doing things.

            Power can be used to make decisions, but this is probably not the most effective way. A leader would like to have most of the company/organization on board.  Yes, everyone will not agree, but as long as the leader has communicated their vision effectively, people will follow.  The use of power should be used with caution.  Not effectively presenting a vision will seem like a lack of leadership.

            The use of power and coercion in the vision or decision making process is not the best way to lead.  The one thing a leader cannot afford to do, is not have their managers on the same page as them.  Yes, the leader will be task with making decisions that at times may not be the most popular to digest.  This is where the communication aspects and self-awareness will kick in for the leader. Power and coercion should not be used, instead communication and awareness should be fostered.

Rueben A. Ingram

Argosy