What is meant by a "vision" and how does one go about creating a vision? Well to choose a direction, a leader must first have developed a mental image of a possible and desirable future state of the organization. This image, which we call a vision, may be as vague as a dream or as precise as a goal or mission statement. The critical point is that a vision articulates a view of a realistic, credible, attractive future for the organization, a condition that is better in some important ways than what now exists.

Below we have outlined a procedure for developing a vision. The procedure consists of eight steps:

1. Study the mission, goals, and strategic plans of the larger organization. Make certain that you have a clear understanding of the organization's central mission (it's reason for existence). Study the organization's strategic plan in depth, including major thrust areas, priorities, any planned changes in direction, and new skills that might be required. Make special note of how your unit might contribute to the strategic plan.

2. Analyze your organizational unit. Study the past, present, and future of the unit. With regard to the past, what have been the significant experiences and learning that can contribute to the future? With regard to the present, what are the unit's strengths and weaknesses? With regard to the future, what do you anticipate will be the demand for the unit's products or services?

3. Draft a preliminary statement of vision. Develop a first draft your organizational unit. Include a description of mission, major thrust areas, the type of organizational structure, and the type of people. Also include how you expect to be viewed by your clients.

4. Review the draft with others. Important here will be to review the preliminary description of vision with your manager. Also important will be to review the description with your people. Actively seek their comments and recommendations.

5. Revise the preliminary statement of vision as you deem appropriate. You should have taken good notes when reviewing the preliminary statement of vision with your manager and your people. Reflect on these notes. Then use this information to embellish and strengthen the statement of vision. At this point it would be appropriate to get the revised version typed and distributed to all of the interested parties.

6. Incorporate the vision in the unit's plans and systems. For the vision to become a reality, it must be incorporated in the unit's operational plan and systems. Establish an organizational structure that supports the vision. Develop a staffing and staff development program that supports the vision.


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