"Without Vision, the People Perish"
Video: Windows Media
(7 MB) | Real Audio (1.5 MB)
The prophetic words above reminds us that the vision we have in mind determines the way we respond to challenging conditions. If we have a pessimistic vision, we might tend to stalk the territory like wolves of destruction, seeking only immediate opportunities for gratifying selfish ends. If we have no vision at all, we might wander aimlessly behind others, like sheep lost in a fog of indecision. Or if we have a clear vision of realistic possibilities, we can soar as birds of creative change, rising above the clouds of mediocrity to see new vistas and inspire others to achieve cooperative fulfillment.
Transforming leaders build what I call the “leadership organization.” They are those who have inwardly decided to grow into being more conscious, developed, skilled, sensitive, and creative leaders. They strive to make positive differences in organizations and in the lives of others wherever they go. In their spirits they reach toward the heavens, reaching beyond the ordinary, the predictable, the average—charting new territories and possibilities. They reach upwards for leadership from those who are wiser, and pull others “below” them upward to greater, yet unseen heights on the way. This is not easy to accomplish, especially in a rapidly changing world where it seems that many cynical people belittle such lofty ideals. With vision and leadership, however, people can live increasingly meaningful and fulfilling lives. This kind of
internationality is an important foundation to enable teams and organizations to make a serious and positive impact on the communities around them.
By Terry D. Anderson, Ph.D.
From Transforming Leadership: Equipping Yourself and Coaching Others to Build the Leadership
Organization.
|
