Articulating a vision is an art. One that requires a unique ability to see further than others can. A superpower gifted to few, but followed by many.
Articulating a Vision
On Monday, we celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. There is no better example of a leader casting vision of what could be and should be than in his historic I Have a Dream Speech.
Dr. King saw something no one else could from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial that day. There were people that HEARD the speech who desired to see a day in which “Little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and girls as sisters and brothers.” They wanted it, they needed it, they prayed for it, they hoped for it. There was no doubt.
The difference is Dr. King SAW it and had the ability to ARTICULATE it. Very few people who walked this earth have rivaled his oration skills. From the intentionality of every single chosen word to the power in his ability to articulate them.
Leaders have an awesome responsibility to cast vision. Maybe we don’t have the skillset of Dr. King, but here are two strategies for articulating vision in leadership and inspiring action:
Find a Willing Audience
It is estimated that 250,000 people attended the speech on August 28, 1963. All were interested in what Dr. King had to say. They had a Willingness to listen with open minds and open hearts. They believed in him and they believed in his vision. He laid out the path to his desired destination for his followers. Dr. King effectively articulated his vision.
Leaders must surround themselves with a willing audience. Let me be clear, not yes people, but those who are WILLING to listen with open hearts and open minds to the vision we cast. People who believe in our vision and trust the desired destination of where we are headed. Articulating a vision is easier and can be more effective when we engage the willing.
Make a Compelling Argument to the Opposition
While the audience present was willing that day, there were many more unwilling that weren’t. They were opposed to the direction of the vision he articulated.
Dr. King believed in non-violence. He not only preached it, but lived it. One of my favorite quotes of all times comes from President George H.W. Bush, “Preach the gospel at all times and use words if necessary.” The alignment of beliefs and behaviors appeal to other humans, it provides validity to a message.
His alignment of those two things when it came to non-violence positioned himself to at least make a compelling argument to those who opposed the vision. It was uncommon, it was different. Being genuine and authentic was all he could offer to those who were against his vision.
The world of leadership is not all unicorns and rainbows. It is tough, really tough. Even the greatest of visions face opposition, detractors, cynics, and saboteurs. They see things differently than us and they make it known with their words and actions.
These people do not warrant depletion of our time and energy, but do require the petition of a compelling case. No matter how poorly they treat us, it cannot lead to misalignment of our beliefs and behaviors. It requires tremendous discipline to turn the other cheek and love unconditionally.
Practicing what we preach allows us to have greater reach. The further our reach, the nearer the vision.
Conclusion
Dr. King had a gift of articulation. While he did not live to see it, we continue to march towards his vision still today . Step by step, one foot in front of the other. He inspired a movement greater than himself to a place few could see.
People are inspired by vision. If articulated well, those we lead will follow us to any destination we desire to go. Once articulated, it will require a tremendous amount of discipline, commitment, and perseverance on our part to get there.
That relentless pursuit of the vision will outlast the opposition…guaranteed. Those who oppose it will fade away in time. The opposition’s tactics are often undisciplined and unsustained. They may be present at the moment the vision is articulated, but nowhere to be found on the day of arrival.
Articulating vision is an art. Like Dr. King did, paint a masterpiece for others to SEE. A clear and compelling vision.