Various methodologies and models are available for evolving the Vision of an organization. One among them is Dr. Peter Senge’s “Creative Tension’ model. The methodology provides the trigger for action from one’s aspirations or Vision. In this facilitator-led process, an individual or group is helped to “envision” or “see the picture of the desired future” – through a series of imageries. Thereafter the individual or group is helped to examine the Current Reality vis-a-vis Vision. While doing this exercise, the individual or group “experiences tension or a tremendous pull from” within – to “bridge” the “gap between Vision and Current Reality” – which leads to forming the strategy and action.
But realizing a vision is not about models
and theories, it is about feeling so passionately about something that one has
to act to realize it.
There is only one problem, for most people,
the current reality often seems over-powering – how do we overcome the
situations we are in, with all the constraints, problems and seemingly
“insurmountable odds”. As a result, we tend to either give up our Vision or
tone it down – it leads to mediocrity.
Unfortunately most of the organizations
have focused on the product – i.e. creating attractive statements – but have
not really utilized the power of the “envisioning process” – the process of
evolving the Vision, Mission and Values and then “aligning” the employees to
these, through structured processes. Thus these statements remain as just
documents. Although often organizations resort to communication circulars etc.
these are not effective enough. Employees often do not understand the meanings
or ramifications and consequently do not feel any ownership or commitment to
these aspects of an organization’s identity.
Thus even if the Vision, Mission Statements
are already created and exist, it would do well to have strategic and
structured processes that help to revisit these from time to time, to validate
its relevance and significance to the organization and have the people own
them.
Individuals and organizations need to
realize the power of the process.
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