Defining the Wins of [uncommon] Vision!

Today's worship service began by recognizing those who will play any role in educating students during the 2009-2010 school year.  The group consisted of bus drivers, cafeteria workers, special ed instructors, administrators, home-schoolers, PE teachers, substitute teachers, janitors, calculus teachers, university professors, and more; people representing every age group from kindergarten to post-graduate.   As each person was asked to introduce themselves and their area of responsibility,  one quick-thinking lady stated,  “My job is to keep your children from throwing food at one another in the cafeteria!”

Observing the scene, I was struck by the opportunity that each person will have to demonstrate [uncommon] Leadership to impressionable audiences.  From the cafeteria to the chemistry lab, students of all ages will encounter women and men of influence; uniquely positioned to help shape the future of those entrusted to their care.  At the end of the year, students will not remember this special group because of what they did for themselves.  Instead, these educators will be remembered for what they did for the students.  One of the great responsibilities of those who lead students is to help them learn to live lives not only of success, but of significance.

Whether in the school, marketplace, church, military, home, or sports field, [uncommon] leaders demonstrate more interest in the success of others than in their personal success.  Think about the teachers [or other leaders] who have influenced you most.  Don’t they stand out as [uncommon] because of their interest in and commitment to you?

Now, think about their impact in your life in relationship to the “anchor” we rolled out last week – [uncommon] Vision.  Would you agree that your mentors - those [uncommon] leaders who have crossed your path - have been significant because of their ability to expand, enhance, or encourage your vision [future picture]? 

Your [uncommon] leaders understood the “wins” that come from a compelling future picture; i.e., [uncommon] Vision:

1. Creates Unity – it brings constituents [sales team, staff, classroom, neighborhood, family, office] together around a shared purpose.  Everyone understands what we’re doing, why, and the win to be derived.
2. Makes Future Plans and Direction Certain – absent a clear future picture, we cannot plan effectively; i.e., a builder cannot build a home without a clear set of blueprints.
3. Makes Our Work Meaningful – we’ve all heard the story about the three men laying bricks.  Bricklayer number one, when asked what he was doing, said, “Nothing important, just laying bricks.”  Bricklayer number two responded to the same question by saying, “I’m helping to build a building.”  Bricklayer number three, with passion in his voice, responded by stating, “I am creating a beautiful cathedral in which lives will be forever transformed!”  Rather than something mundane, we are on mission, executing a strategic, [uncommon] Vision that has the potential to affect life-change!
4. Is Catalytic and Exciting – it helps those we lead to “get it;” fueling their passion and enthusiasm for the future!
5. Allows Us to Tackle the Unknown – I flew my plane into the Raleigh, NC, a few weeks ago; my first time flying into that community.  Before departing, I reviewed sectional charts, terrain, airport info, and entered the airport into my favorite cockpit resource – the “Garmin.”  The Garmin, along with the other research, provided the clear future picture needed to tackle the unknown airspace.
6. Leads to Effective Teamwork - everyone is now contributing to something memorable, ambitious, and inspiring [think Red Sox on their way to the World Series!].
7. Builds Leadership Capital/Credibility - people have confidence in [uncommon] leaders who can paint a compelling vision of the future.  The credibility of the leader grows as he leads a team into the organization’s preferred future.  This point was illustrated vividly this week when a leader I know decided that the work of communicating an [uncommon] Vision required too much time, effort, and energy.  He has taken an unnecessary credibility hit and is quickly losing the respect and support of the key leaders around him.
8. Places Short-Term Strategies Into Long-Term Perspective - when followers understand the future picture, today’s decisions make sense when painted against the canvas of the future.
9. Provides Relevance - everyone wants to be a part of something greater than themselves.  [uncommon] leaders paint a picture of the future in which others can see themselves.
10. Is Consistent with the Bible - nothing great for God has ever been accomplished w/out a commitment to executing an [uncommon] Vision.  Even when sold into slavery, Joseph’s future picture, linked to faith in a great God, resulted in him becoming an [uncommon] leader against all odds!

Whether your title is team leader, coach, teacher, principal, doctor, director, parent, office manager, or pastor, you are the most important leader in the organization for those who look to you for [uncommon] Leadership!  As you lead with [uncommon] Vision, the associated wins you experience can help change an ordinary environment into something special!