Got an epic idea or vision? Bring it to life with these 5 steps

A well-defined vision is a powerful thing. It sets your organization’s North Star. It brings focus and clarity. It propels people toward a common cause, and answers the question, “why are we doing what we’re doing?”

Having a vision is the first step to success. But it’s worthless if you can’t bring it to life. For that, you need buy-in. You need energy and momentum.

You also need big ideas. Big ideas that ignite innovation and solve problems drive a vision forward.

Through nearly 30 years in the technology industry, I’ve seen big ideas soar and visions fade. I’ve had my share of successes and failures. Through both, I’ve collected volumes of insights.

For your next big idea or epic vision, here are five things that have helped me bring my ideas to life.

1. Go big, REALLY BIG!

Take your vision or idea and make it big! Imagine what wild success looks like and then create a big, bold headline that is tangible and easy to visualize.

When Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, his vision was simple: to put a computer on every desk and in every home. The idea was revolutionary at the time—the microcomputer had just been introduced, after all. But Bill was not afraid. He envisioned wild success, and today, most homes and offices have not one but several computers.

The moral of the story? Be fearless and aim high with your vision or idea.

2. Socialize it before it’s half-baked 

Take it to your team when you’re only at 20%, and before you have fallen in love with it. By giving your idea or vision exposure early in the process, in all its flawed glory, you’re more open to suggestions and less likely to feel defensive about questions or criticism.

Take advantage of your team’s diversity of insights and expertise. We all have a unique perspective to share. Encourage team members and colleagues to chime in. Empower them to ask questions and poke holes. Create space for them to run wild with imagination. Not only will they make your vision or idea better, they’ll also take personal ownership.

3. Generate energy around your vision or idea

Kick it into high gear by generating energy and rallying your organization around this shared vision or idea. The best way to do this is through a compelling story. Stories inspire, motivate, and reinforce your vision in the hearts and minds of your team members.

Create a memorable story that resonates with your team and internal stakeholders. Build your team members into the story and connect the dots on their behalf. Define the vision or idea with descriptive, visual language. Use metaphors and give examples.

Help people understand that this wild idea is possible by creating absolute clarity about what you’re trying to accomplish. Communicate why it matters, who will benefit, and why each person is important to realizing this shared vision.

4. Success breeds success

Once the positive energy and enthusiasm are flowing, it’s time to fuel momentum. One of the best ways I’ve found to do this is to rack up early wins. As you build your roadmap for success, prioritize the milestones and benchmarks that deliver a big punch early on. Figure out the minimum viable product, such as a proof of concept, and celebrate that win.

Each success is a reminder that progress is being made. Wins recharge our batteries, reinforce motivation, and fuel momentum. With milestones in place, you can go from win to win to win, until your vision is realized.

5. Over credit and over communicate

Make sure you are communicating with your leaders, your team, your stakeholders, and investors at every point along the way. Update progress constantly and celebrate every achievement to reinforce your vision. 

Remember to give credit to others. Don’t keep it for yourself—it’s more valuable when you give it away. Recognition reinforces motivation and drives better performance. Try to be specific when you recognize accomplishments and avoid watered-down, blanket statements.

Keep an eye out for the quiet heroes, those who tend to take the back seat and allow others to shine. Additionally, recognize those who recognize others and build a culture that celebrates people’s good work.

What are you doing to realize your epic idea or vision?

Hopefully, these personal insights will give you the inspiration you need to take your idea and run with it.

Be bold, be brave, and give your vision the attention it deserves. 

Gavriella Schuster is a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft and the company’s One Commercial Partner Channel Chief.

Connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter and engage with her on her journey to empower partners and employees to succeed in a transforming world.