The Vital Role of Vision in Leadership: Bennis to Sinek

The ability to form a vision for the future and communicate with meaning, is one of Warren Bennis’ critical leadership competencies. Vision galvanizes inspiration and motivation for any team or organization.

Simon Sinek has provided further profound insights into the importance of vision in leadership through his book "Start With Why". His philosophies offer a powerful lens through which leaders can understand the pivotal role of a well-defined vision for the future.

At the heart of Sinek's philosophy is the belief that people are not driven by what you do, but by why you do it. 'Why' is essentially the vision that a leadership holds — it's the “just cause” (aka purpose statement) that provides the foundation for an organization’s actions. A leader’s vision should be compelling and magnetic, resonating deeply with the values and aspirations of both the leader and their team.

Leadership is not about wielding power, ego nor authoritarian orders. It is about “being responsible for the people in your charge”, pointing the way towards a brighter future. The importance of a leader forming a vision for the future lies in the fact that it serves as a guiding star for the organization - or a team within it.

In the past few years, Sinek has been vocally adamant that the opportunities to be a leader, to form a vision for future, is not isolated to nor a reserved privilege of a corner office, C-suite position, department head, etc. If peers already recognize your leadership skills, abilities, and influence, I have good news for you – they are looking to you to form that vision with them, for them.

A vision isn’t a goal. It is a guide for decision-making, strategy, and innovation. The most compelling visions are rooted in values. When challenges arise, it is the leader's vision that acts as a compass, helping to navigate through uncertainty and keeping on course.

A vision crafted with an authentic 'Why' at its core does more than just guide — it inspires. Leaders who articulate their vision in a way that touches on the fundamental human need to belong, to contribute to something greater than themselves, unlock extraordinary potential within their teams. A shared vision fosters a sense of unity and common purpose, leading to higher levels of engagement, loyalty, and perseverance.

Great leaders must have two things: a vision of the world that does not yet exist and the ability to communicate that vision clearly. - Sinek

Sinek’s concept of the "Golden Circle" —consisting of three layers: 'Why' (the core belief), 'How' (the process), and 'What' (the product or service) — is powerful for leaders to communicate their vision effectively. Most managers and organizations know 'What' they do and 'How' they do it, but those that lead are those that also communicate 'Why' they do it.

A leader's ability to start with 'Why' when forming their vision is what inspires action and draws people in. It is not enough to have a vision; a leader must also be able to articulate it in a way that it resonates with their team.

In today's rapidly changing world, leaders are to be reminded that their vision for the future must be adaptive and resilient. Leaders must not only create a vision but also nurture and evolve it as they learn and as the world changes around them.

Together is Better (by Sinek) provides a narrative that celebrates the value of collaboration and collective effort. Sinek underscores that a leader’s vision becomes potent when it is adopted by the wider team, becoming a shared, and harmonizes individual efforts.

A leader inspires camaraderie, mutual support, and a unified team. The vision becomes the rallying cry that brings people together, creating a sense of belonging and mutual investment in the journey and its success.

The Infinite Game extends the concept of vision into a broader and more dynamic context. Sinek invites leaders to think beyond short-term gains and immediate victories, advocating for a vision that embraces the notion of infinite play.

In an infinite game, there are no final winners or losers but continuous players who adapt and persist. A leader’s vision, therefore, should not be fixated on just a singular end but should anticipate an evolving landscape of opportunities and challenges. It’s about leading with a mindset of long-term resilience and sustainable progress, where the vision adapts, new leaders are cultivated, and the team, the organization - all persist.

In practical terms, leveraging Sinek’s philosophies begins with defining a vision that encapsulates a core purpose and endures the test of time. This vision is communicated meaningfully, ensuring that it resonates with the team, and encourages a cooperative culture where ‘together is better.’

The vision is not static. It must be nurtured. It evolves. Attuned to the “infinite game”. Always in pursuit of enduring principles rather than fleeting victories.

Sinek’s applies the foundational teachings of Bennis offering a compelling narrative on the importance of vision in leadership. The leader’s vision inspires action, fosters unity, and prepares teams and organizations of all sizes for a future characterized by continuous change and opportunity. It’s not just about leading people; it’s about leading them somewhere worth going, together.

Leadership is a practice. Always. The skills of leadership are available to be practiced by anyone, at any level. They need to be. Practicing forming a vision that drives purposeful action, fosters alignment, and ignites passion is a great place to start.