Vision-The Strategic Leader Imperative
Abstract
The success or failure of the United States Army has always rested in the hands of senior leaders who provide the vision and direction that all large organizations require. Vision, the ability to imagine and create a sense of the future, is a critical conceptual skill that strategic leaders must possess to successfully lead large organizations. Strategic leaders are tasked with the responsibility of shaping the vision, values, and direction of large organizations. Their world is full of complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity, but they must be able to develop a clear picture of the future in order to lead their organization in the proper direction. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of vision and the strategic leader's responsibility to develop organizational vision. It will define vision and explain why it is important. The characteristics of an effective vision will be explained and examples will be given. It will examine the abilities and knowledge that strategic leaders must possess to effectively demonstrate this skill. Two basic methods for developing organizational vision will be explained along with the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Finally, steps that strategic leaders can take to increase their visionary skills will be examined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345905
Entities
People
- Barry B. Gallagher
Organizations
- United States Army War College