What I have learned about people and organizations...so far.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Vision has been part of every pursuit

Nehemiah’s Vision
 
We can learn much about vision from a study of Nehemiah, the fifth century high official in the Persian court of King Artaxerxes I.  His vision was for the city of Jerusalem; which during its history was destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times.  Nehemiah’s story has at its core every element related to vision.   He envisioned rebuilding the wall surrounding the city that had been destroyed by an invader and left in shambles by apathetic citizens.  In the Book of Nehemiah, we see: 
  • Vision Formed – he was compelled to rebuild the wall.
  • Vision Shared – he asked the king for permission to do so.
  • Vision Acted On – he organized others to help him in the task.
  • Vision Resisted – the “good old boy” network mocked him and tried to stop him.
  • Vision Completed – Jerusalem’s wall stood once again.
 So, what is your vision?  What do you see?  What do you think about that could be or should be?”  Before you make any plans spend time seeking vision. 

Jack Welsh, former head of GE put it this way; “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”