Picturing What You Want

When an artist sets out to create a painting, a sculpture or any type of art form, they start by having a vision of what the masterpiece will ultimately look like. They take the time to focus on the feeling the piece will call upon from those that gaze at the final results. They consider the tools, the colors, the materials necessary to bring their art to life and deliver meaning to the admirer. Their original thought of the piece might have to come to them in many ways. They transform these ideas and thoughts to the art piece via a vision on what the end product will look like.

This same process of a vision of what the end result looks like applies not only to the artist but also to businesses and people that make up the business. At some point in time every business started with its owner having an idea and then putting together a vision and a plan to realize the objective. As the business market changed, the owner adjusted the plan to remain current and provide new ideas and products to the customer.

The current business conditions are ever changing. Customer requirements are changing. Employee requirements are changing. Technology is changing. We are in the midst of an ever evolving information revolution. These and many other reasons must prompt each of us to revisit our company and personal vision. Make adjustments to it so the future results we picture in our minds are realized.

A vision by definition is a mental image produced by the imagination. As we apply this to business and personal life, our vision is the picture of what the business or person will look like at some point in the future. It is the visual image and supporting words that paint the picture for the business and its employees as to what it will be in the future. Consider your vision as the statement placed in the headlines of a future business publication acknowledging the results, the success of your company or yourself. What do you want it to say about you or your organization? How do you want to be recognized? How do you want to describe your potential?

This central focus of a vision should define for your company and yourself that you can succeed and you will know when you arrive. The vision keeps you on track while knowing when to change tracks or add a new one. The vision should be stated positively and in the past tense, as if you had already achieved the potential identified as the "Ideal State." It should create excitement and commitment.

While all of this may appear to be common sense and sounds reasonable, the challenge is to create your vision and communicate it to your organization and yourself. This communication and support of the vision will demonstrate your true commitment.

Take some time over the next week to create a vision for your business if you don't already have one. If you have one already, test it against what is really going on in the business. Are you achieving your "Ideal State?" Do you need to re-kindle the commitment, the passion? Be proactive, be positive, be an artist - go paint that picture of your future ideal state.