Vision, Culture, a Vision *of* Culture

Management Associates Culture, Values, Vision

Vision and the conscious building of culture are central to the individual dimensions of reflective leadership. But both take on additional significance in the context of building and leading a reflective organization.

Vision lies at the heart of the unity of purpose needed to sustain long-term collective excellence. A clear articulation of why an organization exists and what contribution it seeks to make  is perhaps the preeminent point of unity in an organization. It is the North Star that allows every individual to chart a course in alignment with all others.

Vision is crucial in defining the results an organization seeks to deliver.  But just as important as its whats — its activities, initiatives, services — are its hows. How will the organization pursue its desired outcomes? How will its staff interact with one another? How will they communicate? Question? Learn?

The values defined by a vision of organizational functioning are crucial in supporting agree-upon standards of conduct. They provide the framework in which interactions between all stakeholders – among employees,  with the organization as a whole, and with the external world – are carried out.

It relatively clear that leaders who seek to create reflective organizations must craft a vision of their organization’s highest external impact. But these leaders must also articulate a vision of their organization’s highest internal functioning – it’s processes, procedures and interactions at their most commendable and effective.

“Externals” such as size, production volume, stature, and industry-rank  come easily to mind when considering the future. But an organization’s ability to achieve particular goals depends in great part on the nature of its internal functioning, the quality of its human systems, and the efficacy of its interpersonal interactions.

A vision of culture therefore goes hand-in-hand with a vision of contribution. Outstanding product is the companion of outstanding process.