Without a long term view of the future, leaders have a tendency to get focused on smaller details and get bogged down with what is not critical. When business is tough or going through change, leaders can become even more like this. The human mind will focus on something (and business leaders especially have a tendency to get tunnel vision), and it will choose whatever is closest at hand.

These negative issues feel bigger than they actually are and can overwhelm the team. Incremental improvements do not seem worth the effort; thus, improvements stop. The primary focus then becomes getting through the day, the week or the painful event rather than what the future should hold.

Instead, if leaders redirect themselves and others towards the longer term view while having to deal with the immediate action and put it into context, they will also create a better more powerful future. The organization and team will know how to invest their time, energy, money and creativity. It is more exciting and motivating since it implies hope for a better future as well as the understanding that eventually the external environment will change. The key is to take action in a way that provides a better future, regardless of the external environment!

We were hired by a client earlier this year, and we built a powerful 5 year vision with their team. This spurred a marketing and sales effort, along with a cost cutting initiative resulting in increased bottom line and a motivated team.

Some questions to consider:

• Are you focusing in the immediate “fires” or providing long term context to your team?

• Do your leaders have ways to work past the day-to-day chaos to continue on the path towards the organization’s goals?

• How does your organization keep its energy, time and creativity flowing through the tough times?

If your organization needs help harnessing its power towards the future, contact our expert guides at 800-786-4332 or email CClemmer@AppliedVisionWorks.com. It only takes 30 minutes to get started!