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Walk the Talk

Having a vision is essential. Doing something is likewise vital. You need to take action. In fact vision and action are the first steps in the process of transformation.

"When you pray, move your feet." Vision equates to the prayer; action equates to moving your feet. We have to be ready to pick up and go when inspiration strikes.

When we create a vision of a more desirable state, we next must take the action to do something different than we have done up until now. When you see a better way, take it. The question is always "If not now, then when?"

We demonstrate our commitment through what we do.

How leaders react

Beyond creating a vision of what is possible, our transformational leaders take their own action to immediately "step into" that picture and begin to live it as soon as they possibly can. These leaders do not stand by and point into the vision; they move there and beckon others to join them.

They walk their talk and live the image they present. Moreover, they strongly and supportively coach others to do the same. They turn imagination into reality through aligning all parts of their lives with the future.

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Imagination

Before we create something we need to think about it. We have to have some guide for action before we can move toward an outcome.

There is a huge component of imagination involved in the practice of vision. We come up with the image and then we use our power to create it. We have to use this standard in conversations and in our planning every day.

Think it then help make it happen

Just consider what would happen if you took time every day to think about your vision. You could create detailed stories about what happens in any number of different scenarios.

You could make a list of different important events in your life and mentally go through each one of them, using the lens of your vision. You could imagine what the world would look like, brightening up the colors, putting in the right sounds, creating the conversations and interactions you desire with all the right people.

You could imagine how the world (or some piece of it) will be left better than when you started. This can happen over and over.

Good imagination works in all areas. Good imagination is all about positive thoughts. Rehearse your good imagination.

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Improve Today and Tomorrow

The goal of transformation is to make things better. Some of the aspects will be in the future, particularly when we deal with large systems. But improve we must.

In every aspect of our life, we need to think for the future. Here again, the issue of our vision creeps in, as to whether we are literally talking about something that will occur in the future, or whether it is a possibility in the here and now.

The power of change

Can you imagine what our world would be like if each of us had the intention of leaving it a better place when we are gone and acting on that in every moment?

Imagine that you can engage a situation, right now, and imagine leaving this part of the world a better place as soon as you leave. You would be looking for the absolute highest good for each moment. What would you create? How much better would this world become?

How to make change

The mere act of thinking about a desired state is the first step in creating. If we think about it over and over, we will create it before we realize it.

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Transformational Leaders Have Vision

We read about great leaders. We often read that they "have vision". But what is vision and how can it be used to change our own life and that of our colleagues?

In order to create transformation through inspiration, we begin to understand that vision transcends representational system and time. And for the leader it is vitally important to comprehend the nuances of vision.

To create positive change a leader must be able to see where he or she is going. But it's not just having a vision; it is bringing it to reality.

Different ways to describe the word 'vision'

It can be in terms of money. In can be in terms of quality or in terms of recognition. How good is your product or service? What type of recognition do you wish for?

It can be a vision in which reputation is highly sought after. Most of us have a vision of a quality and enviable reputation. Your vision can be of the environment even on a global scale or a less widespread but equally important vision connected to your community.

A vision can also be associated with a lifestyle. But whatever the nuance or specifics, a vision is vital for a transformational leader

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It is vision, vision and vision

Having it, yes that's important. Having a passion for it is also important. Sharing it too is all part of the grand plan. But the explaining might be tricky so get it right.

Transformational leaders practice this competency. They both rehearse it and refine it over time, and they also use this competency on a regular basis.

Remember, the vision of the future is an image and to some degree an abstraction, while the current state is in the present and can easily overpower a weak vision.

The best leaders spend a majority of their time using this powerful competency during times of transformation and uncertainty. Become a 'best' leader.

It's the heart and soul of the organization

Vision is a central piece of living a purposeful life, either individually or in a group. For organizations, having a clear and compelling vision becomes essential, as it creates a competitive spark or a drive toward what is important.

There is a saying: "If you don't know where you are going, then any road will take you there." For the same reason, if you do know where you are going, it is much easier to chart your path.

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