How do you keep your organization's strategic vision on track?

1 Communicate your vision

The first step to keeping your vision on track is to communicate it effectively to your audience. You need to articulate what your vision is, why it matters, and how it will be achieved. You also need to tailor your message to different groups, such as your employees, customers, partners, investors, and regulators. Use various channels and formats, such as presentations, newsletters, videos, podcasts, and social media, to reach and engage your audience. Make sure your communication is consistent, clear, and concise.

2 Evaluate your vision

The second step to keeping your vision on track is to evaluate it regularly against your goals, performance, and feedback. You need to measure how well you are progressing towards your vision, what challenges and opportunities you are facing, and what adjustments you need to make. You also need to solicit and listen to feedback from your stakeholders, such as your employees, customers, partners, investors, and regulators. Use various methods and tools, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, analytics, and dashboards, to collect and analyze data and insights.

3 Adapt your vision

The third step to keeping your vision on track is to adapt it to changing conditions. You need to recognize when your vision is no longer relevant, realistic, or inspiring, and make necessary changes. You also need to anticipate and respond to external factors, such as market trends, customer preferences, competitor actions, technological innovations, and regulatory changes. Use various techniques and frameworks, such as scenario planning, SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, and OKR (Objectives and Key Results), to identify and evaluate alternatives and outcomes.

4 Align your vision

The fourth step to keeping your vision on track is to align it with your strategy, culture, and values. You need to ensure that your vision is supported by your strategic objectives, plans, and actions. You also need to ensure that your vision is embedded in your organizational culture, values, and behaviors. Use various mechanisms and practices, such as vision statements, mission statements, core values, codes of conduct, and recognition programs, to reinforce and reward alignment.

5 Involve your vision

The fifth step to keeping your vision on track is to involve your stakeholders in your vision. You need to empower and enable your employees, customers, partners, investors, and regulators to contribute to and benefit from your vision. You also need to create and nurture a sense of ownership, commitment, and accountability among your stakeholders. Use various approaches and platforms, such as co-creation, collaboration, consultation, and participation, to involve and engage your stakeholders.

6 Review your vision

The sixth step to keeping your vision on track is to review it periodically and celebrate your achievements. You need to reflect on what you have accomplished, learned, and improved, and acknowledge your successes and failures. You also need to appreciate and recognize the efforts and contributions of your stakeholders, and share your stories and results. Use various events and occasions, such as milestones, anniversaries, awards, and testimonials, to review and celebrate your vision.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?