What are some strategies for developing a clear and compelling vision as a business leader?

1 Identify your core values

Your vision should be based on your core values, which are the principles that guide your decisions, behaviors, and relationships. To identify your core values, you can ask yourself questions such as: What matters most to you in life and work? What are you passionate about? What are you willing to stand up for? What are the qualities that you admire in others? You can also use tools such as online surveys, value cards, or value exercises to help you narrow down your list of values to the most important ones for you.

2 Define your purpose

Your purpose is the reason why you do what you do, the impact that you want to have, and the contribution that you want to make. To define your purpose, you can ask yourself questions such as: What are the problems that you want to solve? What are the needs that you want to meet? What are the opportunities that you want to seize? What are the changes that you want to create? You can also use tools such as the Ikigai model, the Hedgehog concept, or the Golden Circle to help you find the intersection of your passion, skills, values, and market.

3 Envision your desired future

Your vision is the picture of your desired future, the destination that you want to reach, and the legacy that you want to leave. To envision your desired future, you can ask yourself questions such as: What does success look like for you in 5, 10, or 20 years? What are the goals that you want to achieve? What are the outcomes that you want to see? What are the benefits that you want to deliver? You can also use tools such as the Vision Board, the Backcasting technique, or the Vivid Vision statement to help you create a vivid and detailed image of your future.

4 Test and refine your vision

Your vision should be realistic, achievable, and adaptable, as well as inspiring, motivating, and compelling. To test and refine your vision, you can ask yourself questions such as: Is your vision aligned with your values and purpose? Is your vision clear and specific? Is your vision challenging and ambitious? Is your vision flexible and responsive? You can also use tools such as the SMART criteria, the SWOT analysis, or the Scenario planning to help you evaluate and improve your vision.

5 Communicate your vision

Your vision should be shared with your team, your stakeholders, and your audience, to create a sense of direction, engagement, and commitment. To communicate your vision, you can ask yourself questions such as: How can you articulate your vision in a simple and memorable way? How can you use stories, metaphors, or symbols to convey your vision? How can you demonstrate your vision through your actions and behaviors? How can you invite feedback and input on your vision? You can also use tools such as the Elevator pitch, the Vision speech, or the Vision pyramid to help you present and promote your vision.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?