Harvard psychology of leadership 1508 05 vision

Psychology 1508:
Vision

“Yesterday’s idea of the boss, who became the
boss because he or she knew one more fact than
the person working for them, is yesterday’s
manager. Tomorrow’s person leads through a
vision, a shared set of values, a shared objective.”
Jack Welch


“The first basic
ingredient of leadership
is a guiding vision. The
leader has a clear idea
of what he or she wants
to do—professionally
and personally—and
the strength to persist in
the face of setbacks,
even failures.”
Warren Bennis


Outline
• What is a vision?
• Why create a vision?
• How do we communicate the vision?


What is a Vision?

“A vision is a portrait of the future that grabs.”
Warren Bennis

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Mission Statement
Long-term goals
Core values
Vivid description


1. Mission Statement
A statement expressing the person’s or
organization’s underlying reason for being.


“To make technical contribution for the
advancement and welfare of humanity.”


“To experience the emotion of competition,
winning, and crushing competitors.”


“To make people happy.”

“To strengthen the social fabric by continually
democratizing home ownership.”


“To help leading corporations and governments
be more successful.”


“To preserve and improve human life.”


“To give unlimited opportunities to women.”


“To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the
same things as rich people.”


2. Long Term Goals
“Ambitious, concrete, and meaningful goals for
1-30 years down the line.”





“To democratize the automobile.” (early 1900s)


“Become the dominant player in commercial

aircraft and bring the world into the jet age.”
(1950)


“Crush Adidas!” (1960)


“Become a $125 billion company by the year
2000.” (1990)


“Become the Harvard of the West.” (1940s)


3. Core Values
“An organization’s or person’s most fundamental
and inviolable codes of action.”


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No Cynicism
Nurturing and promulgation of “wholesome American values”
Creativity, dreams, and imagination
Fanatical attention to consistency and detail
Preservation and control of Disney magic

• Elevation of the Japanese culture and national status
• Being pioneer — not following others; doing the impossible
• Encouraging individual ability and creativity