Two Simple Tests to Sharpen Your Company’s Vision
Let’s face it, as a business owner, you’ve probably heard this a million times: “You need a vision!” Sounds fancy, right? But how often does it actually make a difference in how your business runs day to day?
Here’s the hard truth: simply having a vision isn’t enough. The real power lies in how well you can communicate it.
Think of your vision as a story. If you can’t paint a picture so clear that your team can practically feel it, then your vision is, well...just a pithy slogan. Let’s fix that!
Paint the Picture, Frame the Vision
If you want your team to rally behind your goals, you need to do more than throw out buzzwords. Your vision needs to be vivid, tangible, and something they can picture clearly. Here's why this matters—and how to make it happen.
Strong leaders don’t just say what they want—they make people feel it. Your team needs to see what success looks like in their mind's eye. That’s where vivid, specific language comes in.
Let’s test this idea. Imagine your project has two objectives:
"There is no reduction in quality."
"Actual and perceived accuracy of invoices and data remains the same or improves."
Which one gives you a clearer picture? Probably the second one, right? That’s because it’s specific. It tells your team what you mean in a way they can easily understand and act on.
Two Easy Tests to Sharpen Your Vision
Not sure if your vision is clear enough? Use these two quick tests to find out:
1. Can others describe it back to you?
Try this: share your vision with a team member and ask them to explain it back to you in their own words. If they stumble, go blank, or you get something completely different, you’ve got some work to do. The clearer your vision, the easier it is for others to explain and rally behind it.
2. Is it measurable?
If you can’t track your progress, how will you know if you’re succeeding? A concrete vision includes measurable elements. For example, in the case of “actual and perceived accuracy,” here’s how we tracked it:
Percentage of invoices with repeat errors (system data).
Percent of errors in data entry and missing documents (manual tracking).
Percent of people who perceive quality as good (survey results).
With these metrics, success wasn’t just a feel-good idea—it was a measurable reality. And here’s the best part: success breeds confidence, and confidence fuels momentum.
How to Put This Into Practice
Ready to take your vision from vague to vivid? Here’s your action plan:
Test the waters: Ask your team to describe your vision or key objectives. If they struggle, simplify and clarify until it sticks.
Add numbers: Ensure your vision is tied to measurable outcomes. When you can track progress, you give your team something to aim for and celebrate along the way.
Inspire, Measure, Win
A vision isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your road map to success. But to get your team onboard, you need to tell the story in a way that excites and motivates them. When your vision is vivid and measurable, you set the stage for real progress—and real results.
So, get out there, refine your vision, and start leading your team toward something amazing!