Discipline #3 of 5 – Building shared vision
It is difficult to name an organisation that has sustained some form of greatness without goals, vision and mission being deeply shared throughout the organisation.
A vision is shared when you and I have a similar picture of the future and we are committed to each other’s progress towards it – not just our individual progress. Shared vision is vital for the learning organisation because it provides the focus and energy for learning and performance.
Vision is a familiar organisational concept. But when you look closely most visions are imposed on the organisation by a person or a group. At best such visions will command compliance. They will not command commitment.
The practice of shared vision involves unearthing shared “pictures of the future” that foster genuine enrolment. In mastering this discipline, leaders learn the futility of trying to dictate a vision, no matter how passionately held.
Shared vision fosters a culture of experimentation. Guaranteed results are not needed to get approval. Everyone is enrolled to the extent that implementing the practice required by the vision is more important than outcomes. It is not what the vision is. Rather it is what the vison does that is important.
Shared visions emerge from personal visions. Visionary leaders build shared visions from personal visions. Leaders building shared visions must continually share their personal vision.
There is nothing you can do to make another person enroll or commit. Enrolment and commitment require freedom of choice.
The visioning process is a process of participative inquiry. It requires convening meetings where people can talk about their dreams and fears for the future. It requires accessing peoples’ deep desire for connection to each other and to a bigger purpose.
Shared vision becomes a living force when people believe they are part of an organisation where they can shape their own future.
Discipline #1 of Learning Organisations – Personal Mastery
Discipline #2 of Learning Organisations – Mental Models
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