A Clear Vision

This blog post is in response to the July 2014 ASQ Influential Voices topic "Do you have a clear vision—and is it giving you the focus you need to succeed?

The Oxford Dictionaries defines vision as "The ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom". Why do organizations need vision? The vision provides a purpose, direction, and focus to take an organization to a next height. It is essentially a dream of the future. The vision must be developed by a senior leadership team and then communicated effectively throughout the organization to provide a sense of direction and focus. And, by the way the vision statement should be memorable, short, and uplifting (not several paragraphs put together by outside consultants which become 'Words on the Wall (WOW)').

Now let us look at few excellent examples of Vision statements from the US Baldrige Performance Excellence Award winners in various domains.

• Education: Iredel-Statesville Schools, Statesville, North Carolina (2008) 

         Vision: "A school system committed to improving student learning by igniting a passion 

         for learning."

• Health Care: Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, Illinois (2010)

         Vision: " To provide an exceptional patient experience marked by superior health 

         outcomes and service." 

• Manufacturing: Cargill Corn Milling, Wayzata, Minnesota (2008)

          Vision: " To be the global leader in nourishing people."

• Nonprofit (including Government): City of Irving, Irving, Texas (2012)

         Vision: "Irving will be the model for safe and beautiful neighborhoods, a vibrant economy, 

         and exceptional, recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities."

• Service: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia (1999, 1993) 

          Vision: "We are Ladies and Gentlemen Serving Ladies and Gentlemen." 

• Small Business: MESA, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2012, 2006)

           Vision: "Lead the corrosion control industry through world-class performance." 

My company's (Business Excellence, Inc.) vision is "A global leader in creating Customer Delight, Employee Satisfaction, Process Excellence, and Enhanced Operational & Financial Performance."

The Nonprofit (Blind Foundation for India) I am leading has a vision of "Prevention and Cure of Blindness, and Education and Rehabilitation of Permanently Blind People in India."

Do you have your favorite Vision Statement to share? I look forward to your views.