Leading an organization, whether it is a company or a small work unit, to positive change begins with developing a vision. A vision is a clear mental picture of a desired future outcome. If you have ever put together a large 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, the chances are you used the picture on the top of the puzzle box to guide the placement of the pieces. That picture on the top of the box is the end result or the vision of what you are trying to turn into a reality. It is much more difficult—if not impossible—to put the jigsaw puzzle together without ever looking at the picture. An organization without a vision is like a person trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without ever seeing the picture on the box.

Effective leaders will create and articulate a clear vision for their organization or unit. A good vision is clear and compelling. It works like a magnet, pulling people toward it.

There are at least four benefits of a clear vision.

1.  It ensures that all employees are moving in the same direction. This means that all employees are working towards the same end result.

2.  It helps to overcome adversity. Employees are more willing to tackle problems that get in the way of achieving the vision.

3.  It helps to create motivation. If the leader is committed to and excited about his or her vision, the excitement is contagious. Employees will be more motivated to work toward the vision and will tend to focus on the positive rather than dwell on the negative.

4.  It provides a guide for decision making. A clear vision will help employees determine the right path when it comes to problem solving and decision making.