Starting resource positions are a very poor predictor of future industry leadership.”
Hamel & Prahalad Competing for the Future
What is a Vision
A vision is that one thing you really want to become, or have, or accomplish. Most often, it is something that may seem impossible at the present time. A very familiar business case study includes a small Japanese company Komatsu Limited overtaking the strong, successful and proven America based company Caterpillar, Inc. In this real life scenario, Caterpillar Inc. had dominated the earth-moving industry for years and years. The idea that someone could overtake them, especially a cash poor small competitor was absurd to even consider. But suddenly, quickly, and very unexpectedly Komatsu overtook CAT to become the leader in the earth-moving industry. Komatsu’s great success began with a simple vision in mind to “Encircle CAT”, meaning they wanted to surpass Caterpillar and become the industry leader.
In the beginning, when this idea was rolled forward, this vision seemed not only impossible but also ludicrous. Many business analysts thought the company was “naïve” and no one took them seriously. However, as the company leaders began basing every decision on how they could overtake CAT, things began to change as the vision aligned and inspired the team at Komatsu and drove them to success. Their rise to the top was relatively quick, despite the fact they were so seemingly at a huge disadvantage.
Though this example occurred many years ago, a vision can be just as powerful in the business world today. In fact, there are many companies that continue to do exactly as Komatsu did and become industry leaders despite beginning with huge disadvantages. So, what you want to become and whatever your ultimate vision or destiny is for organization is achievable. As you align and direct your company with a clear vision, only good things can happen. So, do you want to be number one in your industry, or free the world from poverty, or set the standard for customer service? Whatever it is that gives your company meaning and purpose will instantly supply a vision.
The company vision must be expressed clearly to all that are involved in working towards making it a reality. Discussions about what success will look like and what it will feel like needs to be apart of almost every company communication to make it stick. As it sticks, people will begin to envision reaching the established destiny and will become excited about it. As communication flows in your business, updates and progress on reaching the vision must be addressed. Likewise, all decisions made including improving quality, cutting costs, starting a new product line, etc. should all tie to the vision. If the vision has been successfully disseminated, every decision made in your organization will be driven by it, and every worker will be aligned and heading in one direction. This will instantly result in a boost in morale, teamwork, and creativity as your company function together towards one vision.
Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 1 Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 2 Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 4 Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 5 Read Create a Vision, Achieve Your Goals Part 6
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