Use Vision To Lead In Difficult Times! (Ep. 148)

Amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe, people are looking for strong leadership and vision to help them see a brighter future–now more than ever. And your vision plays a large part in helping dispel anxiety and instill hope in scary times.

When John F. Kennedy spoke to the nation on September 12, 1962. This was during the height of the Cold War. Tensions were tight, people were scared that nuclear war was imminent. But President Kennedy did something astounding, he gave a vision that told of a brighter future, one that all American’s could believe in.

His challenge was the backdrop to which we could embrace and embrace that vision is what American’s did. Though he never saw his vision become a reality, America latched onto it and on July 20, 1969, at [20:17] UTC, Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on the surface of the moon. Armstrong became the first person to step onto the lunar surface six hours and 39 minutes later on July 21 at [02:56] UTC; Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later.

Vision and leadership go hand-in-hand. When times are difficult and vision seems far off, people look to us to lead them out of the wilderness and into a brighter future.

Whether you’re a writer, leader, entrepreneur, we should be learning to help people find their why by focusing on an inspiring what. In other words, if you have a clear vision, you will eventually find the right strategy to help people arrive at a desired destination.

In this episode, I want to walk you the power of vision, your story, to lead people in unprecedented times–similar to the COVID-19 times we’re in right now.

1. Is your vision clear?

I was given an advanced reader copy of Michael Hyatt’s forthcoming book, The Vision Driven Leader. In it, he distills down the importance of leading with laser-like focus by crafting a vision script to lead your organization, business, church, team into a brighter tomorrow.

He writes,

He continues,

The single greatest thing a leader can do is cast a vision that’s inspiring and good enough to encourage people into action that drives results. So, is your vision clear? What motivates you to create content that excites individuals to find who God has created them to be?

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As leaders, our goal should be to paint a picture of an irresistible future. John Kennedy shot for the moon. His speech created a clear story that sparked the imagination of those who’d make it happen. When the going gets tough and we’re not sure how to lead in the moments of life that seem out of our control, remember this saying from Michael’s new book, “Moon shots are about changing the world, or at least your sphere of influence.”

Make it clear and make it memorable. Liken your vision as a blueprint or Google Maps. They outline a clear picture of where you’re going.

2. Respond when times are tough.

It’s one thing to be like the strong individual in the room telling everyone that this too shall pass. But it’s a whole other thing when we’re the ones panicking when things become too difficult to handle.

That has become abundantly clear during the Coronavirus pandemic. Organizations, churches, restaurants, and business owners are scrambling to make due during this time. We couldn’ sit back and do nothing. As leaders, our job is to take action today, summerize the plan moving forward, then involve your teams.

Times like this give us the opportunity to identify and leverage creativity and innovation. A good plan executed today is better than a great plan executed next week. In other words, do something now, and adjust as time moves forward. But we have to recognize and acknowledge the challenge and find a response to help people cope with today while telling them a story of a better tomorrow.

We must have the honesty to face our current reality but have faith in tomorrow that we will prevail. People are looking for hope. If you’re a writer, tell your story of how you prevailed in perilous times. Focus on your own circle of control instead of your circle of concern.

Do what you can to get where you want to be. Mitigate risks, keep your eyes on new opportunities, and then look to see how you’re uniquely positioned to serve those you lead.

3. Move Forward into a brighter future.

Uncertainty breeds fear and lack of confidence in your team. Fear is reactive and will stifle creativity, ingenuity, and innovation goes out the window. The individuals in your church, business, or team, all look to you for the answers in uncertain times. The question we must face is this, “What is my response going to be?”

Yes, there are things we simply cannot control and there are certain times that are more challenging than others, but it’s how we choose to lead in those moments that encourage those under our authority to rise to the occasion.

Remember NASA. They rose to the occasion, even after the terrible loss of those in the Apollo 1 fire. They continued forward into a brighter future because they believed in JFK’s vision.

Business coach and author, Robert Updegraff said,

As you lead your organization, church, readers, customers through this crisis, share a compelling vision of a brighter tomorrow. Resist the temptation to resist by recognizing the moment, reassessing your abilities, and respond to inspire.