It's nothing to do with Magic Mushrooms
If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. But why would anyone want to follow you?
We hear a lot about “visionary leaders” these days, don’t we? The term conjures up images of someone with a mystic ability to see into the future, almost like they’ve had some sort of otherworldly experience involving, well, magic mushrooms. But here’s the reality: leadership vision has nothing to do with psychedelic trips. It’s about something far more practical, and frankly, more challenging.
Let’s break this down. When we talk about vision in leadership, we’re referring to a clear, compelling picture of where you want your organisation or team to go. Sounds simple enough, right? But the truth is, many leaders struggle with it. Why? Because crafting a vision isn’t as easy as just dreaming up something grand and hoping everyone will follow. It’s about creating a roadmap for success that not only makes sense but also inspires others to come along for the ride.
What Vision Is — and What It’s Not
First off, let’s get one thing straight: vision is not the same as wishful thinking. You can’t just say, “I want our company to be the best in the world,” and call that a vision. That’s more of a wish. A true leadership vision requires depth, focus and direction. It’s specific enough to be actionable and ambitious enough to be motivating.
A great vision is both aspirational and realistic. It pushes boundaries but stays grounded in what’s possible with the right effort. Think of it like plotting a route on a map—you need to know both your destination and the terrain you’ll be crossing to get there. No amount of hoping will make it happen without the right strategy and execution.
Vision Comes from Clarity
Some people believe that visionary leaders are born with this innate ability to see the future. They aren’t. What sets visionary leaders apart is their ability to gather information, analyse trends and understand the environment they’re operating in. This clarity helps them develop a long-term strategy that others may not immediately see. And that’s the key: vision isn’t a mystical gift; it’s a skill that can be developed.
You might be thinking, “But I’m not that kind of thinker.” The good news is, you don’t have to be some sort of genius strategist to develop a vision. What you do need is the willingness to ask tough questions. What are the biggest challenges we’re facing? What opportunities are on the horizon? Where do we want to be in five years, and what steps do we need to take today to get there?
Leadership vision starts with this type of thinking—clear, practical and forward-looking.
Getting Others on Board
Now, here’s where the real magic happens (and no, mushrooms still aren’t involved). Vision alone won’t get you very far if your team doesn’t buy into it. A strong leader not only sees the destination but can also communicate it in a way that resonates with others.
How do you do that? First, make sure your vision is rooted in shared values. People need to feel a connection to the vision for them to fully commit. If your team doesn’t see how the vision aligns with their own goals or the mission of the organisation, they’ll struggle to feel motivated.
Secondly, leaders with vision are skilled storytellers. It’s not about just rattling off facts and figures. It’s about painting a vivid picture of the future that others can see themselves in. You need to make it real for people—show them what success will look like, how it will feel, and most importantly, how their role is critical in getting there.
The Discipline of Visionary Leadership
Here’s another misconception: once you’ve created a vision, you’re done. Not quite. Visionary leadership is a continuous process. You need to revisit, refine and reinforce the vision as circumstances evolve. In a fast-paced world, the conditions under which your vision was formed may change. New challenges and opportunities will arise, and as a leader, you must be flexible enough to adjust while staying focused on the end goal.
In practice, this means regularly checking in with your team, getting their feedback and making sure the vision still feels relevant and achievable. This isn’t about being indecisive; it’s about being adaptable and responsive.
What’s Your Vision?
If you’re in a leadership position, formally or informally, the question isn’t whether you have a vision—it’s what your vision is. Are you thinking clearly about where you want to lead your team? Have you taken the time to create a vision that’s both inspiring and actionable? And perhaps most importantly, can you articulate that vision in a way that will galvanise others to take action?
At the end of the day, leadership vision is a skill like any other. It requires reflection, analysis and the ability to communicate with clarity and passion. And while it might seem daunting at first, it’s certainly not something reserved for a select few. No magic mushrooms required—just a clear mind, a steady hand, and the courage to lead.
How clear is your vision, and what steps are you taking to share it with your team?
What’s Your Next Move?
Leadership is about action, not just reflection. So, how will you apply today’s insight? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation—your next breakthrough might be closer than you think.
Bernard Kates is a Transformational Leadership Coach and Mentor
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