Vivid Visions: Where are you going?

“Where are you going?”

I’m not sure how many companies take the time to articulate where they are heading.

We’re only on earth for 4,000 weeks if we’re lucky… so it’s important to spend our precious working days helping to build and walk towards a vision that gives us energy!

John F. Kennedy’s (“JFK”) set a great example of how we as leaders can inspire people to march toward a better future.

JFK who served as 35th U.S. President and set forth the ambitious goal of sending a man to the moon. (I can’t think of a more ridiculous Big Hairy Audacious Goal, “BHAG”, in the 1960s)

JFK was not a physicist. JFK was not an engineer. JFK had no clue HOW to get to the moon.

But…

JFK declared the vivid vision to U.S. Congress of "landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth" before the end of the decade.

JFK was an artist with words. He knew what it would look like and feel like to get to the moon. He was able to paint the picture of the significance of such a feat.

I'm sure JFK was nervous to state such a vision to go to the moon. JFK manifested the mission to the moon with belief in the greatness of his fellow man.

Look at the artistry of JFK's words:

"We choose to go to the moon…We choose to go to the moon…not because they are easy but because they are hard… that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills… that challenge is one we are willing to accept. One we are unwilling to postpone. As we set sail we ask God's blessing on the most hazardous and dangerous adventure on which man has ever embarked."

If you have the time, here is a masterclass on Vivid Vision by JFK: CLICK HERE

When I watch the clip of him sharing the Vivid Vision, I can feel his confidence and energy of purpose. Leadership is an inside job. JFK clearly worked on his belief in himself to speak with such confidence.

He put in the work so the monkey brain would not take over and convince him to live small. He spoke about this vision many, many times before his presidency was cut short by his untimely death. His vision carried forward even without him physically present.

The job of leaders is to share the vision repeatedly. My dear mentor, Britt Hall, constantly reminds me that the job of a leader is to share the vision [and values]: "Say it a thousand different times, a thousand different ways, to a thousand different people."

JFK found the parade, got in front of it, and the vision was painted so clear that the mission to the moon was accomplished before the end of the decade! (1969)

It starts with a Vivid Vision. If it's a vision that excites and maybe even scares you, then you might be onto something.

Then, the fun begins to share the vision over and over and over with conviction. Then share it again :)

A vision which requires everyone to seek their potential is a vision worth pursuing.

That’s what we’re doing at Century. We’re building for centuries. Playing a long-term game with long-term people.

Onward,

Matt