Great leaders know the value and power of the words. They know that sharing a well-honed vision can change a person, a team and ultimately, an organisation.
When we define our vision and communicate it effectively, people see the big picture and how they can contribute to it.
People want to work for more than a salary – to be part of something larger than them – something to be proud of; that they’ll fight for and that they trust.
It was therefore very sad news indeed to read of the death of Nintendo’s CEO and president, Satoru Iwata on Saturday. He had a defining vision for the Nintendo brand and was already planning a new smartphone tie-up with online game maker DeNA, to help make up for declining console sales, a key task for the next CEO to fulfil.
Whilst the company has yet to announce a replacement, but Genyo Takeda, senior managing director and one of the lead developers of Nintendo’s Wii console, will lead the committee for Iwata’s funeral – a sign he could be taking on the leadership role. But as the news on Reuters explains the death of the CEO and president comes at a critical time for the company if it is make a success of the proposed smartphone tie-up.
A new CEO for any company will always have a big job on their hands. They may well want to convey and continue the visions of a great former leader but will also want to deliver plans of their own. So with this in mind, here are 5 Top Tips for conveying your vision as a leader:-
1.Own it
Winston Churchill said, “Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe.” Your passion and conviction will be far more compelling that your words. The first person who should be excited about your vision is YOU.
2.Keep it simple
People are not usually motivated by complicated theories and abstract ideals! The best communicators take the complex and make its simple. Great leaders use terms and explanations that are easy to understand so everyone can catch their vision = and be able to easily explain it to others.
3.Idea for the Mind, Picture for the Heart
If your vision is unclear, the mist in your mind – will eventually become the fog in your organisation!
People think and remember in pictures. To drive your vision home, give people an idea for the mind and a picture for the heart. Tell them about your customers and clients, like the old age pension whose day will be made a great one if she only receives that extra little bit of service.
4.Get buy-in
People rarely do anything until they see the personal, measurable benefits if taking action – “What’s in it for me” Get your people actively involved in shaping the vision. Why? Because we’re all far more inclined to support the things we’ve helped to create; we’re all far more inclined to take care of the things we own.
No matter how persuasive you are, be prepared to encounter resistance. Change if uncomfortable. It often makes people feel anxious and insecure. Once you’ve cast a vision, allow people time to accept it. The only way to get past the fear is to develop a vision more compelling than the fear. Look for ways to focus on the passion behind the vision and people’s fears will soon take a backseat to their excitement.
5.Model commitment
Your team will be watching your every move – what you say, and more importantly, what you actually do. They want to see just how personally committed to this big new idea. Never forget that they will very quickly spot inconsistencies in your language and behaviour if you aren’t fully dedicated. So be vigilant and hold yourself accountable to a high standard.
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