"We are drawn to leaders who articulate a possible future in a way that speaks to us and includes us. Farsighted leaders use their clarity of vision and their articulation of a successful future to pull people out of fear or shortsightedness and into hopefulness and a sense of purpose," says Erika Andersen.
And, she writes in What Leading With Vision Really Means (Fast Company), a clear and compelling vision can drive extraordinary business results.
Look at Henry Ford and Steve Jobs, two of the farsighted leaders she cites as examples.
Farsighted leaders, Ms. Andersen explains,
- 1. See possible futures that are good for the enterprise;
- 2. Articulate their vision in a compelling and inclusive way;
- 3. Model their vision;
- 4. See past obstacles; and
- 5. Invite others to participate in the vision.
Once you've read her article which masterfully fleshes out exactly what these five qualities mean, I have two questions for you;
- Is this the leadership ideal?
- Is it possible for anyone, say the average businessperson, to become such a leader?
Two questions I'm pondering since I read this piece.
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