Do You Wish You Could Have Visions of the Future?

Most established companies have vision statements. How is this vision shared with the staff? How is this vision cascaded to staff and customers? How often do you indulge in crystal ball gazing and act on these indicators? Some vision statements include abstract ones like 'A better everyday life for the people' to concrete ones like 'A computer in every home.'

Vision without technique is blind, said world-class photojournalist Dewitt Jones. How do you realize your vision (and dreams)? How do you back up your company and team visions to achieve your goals?

I am halfway through the Complete Second Season (final season) of Eli Stone. Actor Jonny Lee Miller (who brilliantly acted as Scottish cyclist, Graeme Obree in The Flying Scotsman*, 2007) plays the accidental prophet cum bro bono lawyer with the unfortunate case of a brain aneurysm. Despite the producers’ failure to sustain this series to the third season, it has enough entertainment value to engage the viewer: quirky characters, full-scale musical interludes, special effects, and intelligent scripting to allow for suspension of disbelief.

Eli is the reluctant messenger of future tidings; his duty is to right the wrongs based on his glimpses into the future. He does not always get it right as sometimes these visions are confusing. He makes personal sacrifices so as to accentuate the results of his interventions. Of course, he has a homeopathic guide who believes in his gift and respectfully assists him on his personal journey by helping make sense of these visions-cum-hallucinations.

How do you realize your vision of your company, business goals and corporate culture? How do you align your people with the corporate core values? How do you make sense of the writings on the wall?

Make your vision large, vivid, colourful and contrast sharply with your mission and targets. Your vision has to be shared by a tribe of followers, who will collaborate with you on your collective quest. The vision has to be brought into distinct focus, so that we concentrate our efforts into realizing it. Share your vision, as a selfish approach may lead to obsession and indulgence. A vision is a beacon that lights the way in the darkness of minor attractions and major distractions. Keep reaching for your personal goals and personal bests whether in sports, profession or hobbies. Set your bar high, and challenge yourself and your ambitions.

*Graeme Obree broke the one-hour world record for cycling, with a bicycle called ‘Old Faithful’ made from washing machine parts. He also suffered from manic depression that sadly plagued him throughout his life. Utilizing a revolutionary position for his bike, Obree set the world distance record for one hour in 1993 and 1994, along with capturing a world championship in individual pursuit. The film focuses on the singular vision of Obree in developing new riding techniques (handlebar and aero-bar designs) and its consequences when he becomes a sensation on the international stage.