"He did See it, that is Why it is Here."

Vision is the lifeblood of every organization. 

Without a compelling one, you will shrivel up, dry up and disappear. That is why I am thankful for the wisdom of Dr. Sam Cloud. Dr. Cloud gives three helpful guidelines for an effective vision.  They are:

1) A vision has to be memorable.

2) A vision has to portable.

3) A vision has to be motivational.

Let's start with memorable. A great vision statement is something that sticks to the top of your mouth and is easy to recall.  This is quite simple, yet gets overlooked by most companies.  If people cannot remember your vision, it will never get off the floor and have a life of its own. Portable is the second quality of an effective mission statement.  By portable, I mean it sticks to the sides of your brain.  People should be able to repeat the vision to others. Pastor Bill Hybels says, "Vision Leaks." I like that. The litmus test for a portable vision is mobility.  People on your staff or in your company should be able to communicate the visions basic tenants. Finally, the vision needs to be motivational.  It needs to stick to your team's hands & feet.  If your vision does not compel others to move forward, then you do not have a vision.  You may have a slogan or a fancy list of words forming a sentence, but you do not have a vision. A vision ultimately has to burn within your teams heart.

Concluding, I will share my personal favorite lesson about vision.  It is told about Walt Disney. The legendary Walt Disney died before Disney World in Florida was completed. On opening day in 1971, almost five years after Disney's death, someone said, “Isn’t it too bad Walt Disney didn’t live to see this?” Mike Vance, creative director of Walt Disney Studios replied simply, “He did see it. That’s why it’s here.”