Inspire

"A leader serves by inspiring those she serves with a vision of the future which is compelling, achievable and provides a context for understanding their ongoing experiences. Such a vision connects the employees and customers.

In addition to a vision - which may be enterprise-wide - there is clarity of mission. Mission is the down-to-earth linchpin fusing individuals' daily work into enterprise accomplishment.

If vision is the sine qua non of a leader, mission is the fundamental focus of the manager.

The most effective leaders are also effective managers. The most effective managers are also effective leaders.

The mission to implement the vision can itself be inspiring. These would include the 'big hairy audacious goals' identified by Jim Collins in organizations going 'from good to great." Audacity itself can unleash formidable force. Collins says, "A true BHAG is clear and compelling, serves as a unifying focal point of effort, and acts as a clear catalyst for team spirit. It has a clear finish line, so the organization can know when it has achieved the goal' (p. 161-162)."

From: Gordon, J. (2017). The power of positive leadership: how and why positive leaders transform teams and organizations and change the world. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley and Sons.