That's some good food, people.
Quick thought: this morning's session was on the necessity of each local school district having a clearly articulated vision. Obviously, vision is essential. But I took issue with the way it was presented in our session.
It was suggested that we should gather as many opinions as possible and then incorporate these disparate ideas into the vision.
But isn't this counterproductive to having a vision in the first place? If you have a vision statement, isn't it essentially exclusive? Isn't the purpose of vision to remove extraneous thoughts and opinions and special interests and focus on the overriding concern of the organization?
Obviously listening and hearing opinions is central. But shouldn't the vision be something bigger than that?
Or am I missing something here?
8 comments:
I don't feel qualified to answer the question your posing, but I had to say that we've eaten at the SA Ruth's Chris and man, it was good! I hope you guys didn't make the same mistake we did in trying to walk from the River Walk to Ruth's Chris. It's further than you think. I hope you're able to enjoy your trip apart from the brutal sessions.
I see your point, but I would call what your describing a very good, focused vision statement. I think the inclusive vision is when you need to give everyone a share in the thing. So, you give it as many handles as you can so that people can find something, anything to grab onto. It makes it less powerful, I think, but if a person is cynical about vision statements (as I am) then you sorta give up on it being great and settle quickly on it being practical. More of a cheer or chant than a call to duty.
I actually think each has its place. When you need to get butts in gear, the focused, exclusive one it better. When you just need to get butts in the seats, you can be inclusive.
I don't know. I'd be afraid too many voices might lead to more talk of pee wee football. ;)
Lid, yep. It was amazing.
Walt, I believe in listening. Vision statements may be silly (I think they probably are in many cases), but an honest vision is exclusive because it's focused.
Michael, don't get me started...
The purpose of a vision statement is to serve as a practical guide to where the organization is going. It is not to be a feel good statement that is meant to be inclusive or exclusive. The goal of a strong vision statement is to reflect the values of the organization while moving forward. The vision is to reflective of why the organization was created while also casting light unto what the organization could be.
I believe vision requires leadership on the part of those plotting the course for the organization. The leadership needed for this type of endeavor would involve listening to the concerns of people who have a vested interest in the organization and then discerning the proper vision to move the organization ahead. Some agendas will be met, some will not. It's the responsibility of the leadership to discern and establish the best vision for the organization.
vision is the ideal carrot. goals are how you chase the carrot. some visions can/will be realized (the Super Bowl, for instance); some will never be reached (say, the end of poverty). but without a vision, the group will not move forward well. nor will it move forward well if folks don't buy into the vision.
I think we're all on the same page here. I suppose I simply want to say that you can have a vision of reaching the Super Bowl or ending poverty, but no organization would strive to do both. I know that example is ludicrous, but I think that some organizations try to have too many visions and instead of focusing on one, exclusive to other visions, vision, they get bogged down in attempting to follow too many voices and visions.
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