b'EXPERT CORNERCreating a Vision: Looking at the Whole BoardThressea H. Boyd, CEOTHBoyd CommunicationsA vision statement is different from acommander Neil Armstrong became the companys mission, strategic goals, andfirst human to walk on the moon and return core valuesseparate, yet they must workhome safely.together.W hile recently watchingIn the book Vision Driven Leader, authorOnce the vision is established, next comes an episode of The Westthe strategies that serve as the road map. Michael Hyatt explains the difference inHyatt writes, Vision comes first because Wing,an American politicalmission and vision. At first blush, theytheres no path without a destination. But dramaon Netflix, I wasseem similar. People often speak as ifwithout a path, there is no progress. intrigued by the phrase, Look attheyre interchangeable building blocks of a successful business. Theyre connected,Hyatt notes in the book, Vision, as I see it, the whole board, in the episodeand both are essential for a business tois a clear, inspiring, practical, and attractive titled Hartsfields Landing. succeed, but its important to recognizepicture of your organizations future. It theyre distinct concepts serving differentdoesnt have to be ten or twenty years down Let me set the scene. President Josiahpurposes. the road, though that might be helpful. Im Bartlet (Martin Sheen) was playing antalking about an imagined futureusually intricate game of chess with DeputyWhile both the mission and visionjust three to five years outsuperior to the Communication Director Sam Seabornstatements develop strategies, they dopresent, which motivates you, which guides (Rob Lowe) while simultaneously dealingso in different ways. Hyatt explains, Aday-to-day strategy and decision-making, with an international crisis. As Bartletmission defines what a business is, a visionand around which your team can rally. moved in and out of the room, Seaborndescribes where its going. The mission is was staring intently at the chessboard as hehere; vision is still out there. Mission is now;What difference does a vision make? Hyatt contemplated his next move. vision is next. provides six pitfalls of vision-deficit leaders: unpreparedness for the future; missed Bartlet would repeat, Look at the wholeHaving a vision doesnt mean you have allopportunities; scattered priorities; strategic board. It was more than just the nextthe answersits about where you want tomissteps; wasted money, time, and talent; move it was studying all the pieces,be in three, five, or even ten years.and premature exits.considering every possible move, and thenHyatt gives the example of PresidentThis year, the COVID-19 pandemic has act with decisiveness. It was about strategy.John F. Kennedys bold ambition to put ancreated uncertainty, and almost every As business leaders, before strategic movesAmerican on the moon within ten years.business has been impacted by disruptions can be made, there has to be a destinationin sales, management of employees, and in minda vision.Many considered Kennedys visioncompany growth. delusional, Hyatt writes. They doubted we When considering a vision, think about acould land on the moon with the availableAs a vision-focused leader, you can navigate puzzle. Before you start, you look at thetechnology and know-howlet alone bringthrough significant disruptions and crises. picture on the box to get an idea of the finalan astronaut back alive. There may be a series of changes, but a result. What if you received a puzzle with noclear vision allows you to lead through the photo, just a bunch of pieces in a box?Even NASAs first administrator, T. Keithsituation and not become a victim of the Glennan, called the presidents plan a verycircumstances. Leading a business without a vision is likebad move. thressea@thboydcomm.computting a puzzle together with no picture.On July 20, 1969, the goal was achieved as the world watched while Apollo 11 58 SG MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020'