Developing a vision statement

In Module 1, you began the process of the Leadership Growth Plan with a thorough self-assessment. Then you identified and prioritized your most important values and motivators and explored your basic leadership style. In this module, you will establish your vision and determine what you need to do to become the kind of leader that other people will follow. The path to leadership will contain obstacles. To deal with obstacles, determine the sacrifices you are willing to make, identify hidden opportunities, and divide the problem into manageable pieces.

Keys to the Assignment

The following instructions are adapted from Phase two: Write a personal mission statement https://www.criminalwatchdog.com/resources/skill-d...

Write your vision (1-2 pages)

Imagine it is 10 years into the future. You feel that you have achieved your potential and become the leader you've always wanted to be. Write a story to describe your vision of yourself. Don't get hung up on past accomplishments and future plans, and don't worry about barriers. Use some of these questions to guide your thinking:

• What's your typical day like?
• Who do you interact with?
• What are you thinking about?
• What are you feeling?
• What skills do you possess?

While you're dreaming, think about your legacy. Imagine yourself at the end of your career. What do you want people to say about you after you're gone? How must you start living now in order for that to happen?

When you've finished writing your story, summarize the vision so it's easy to remember. Think of something or someone that symbolizes it. This summary should be no longer than three or four sentences and should be denoted in the paper by a separate heading. Keeping your personal vision in mind is highly motivating.

Identify obstacles (1-2 pages)

Internal obstacles are thoughts, opinions, and beliefs that can prevent you from moving forward. External obstacles are situations or conditions outside of yourself that can prevent you from achieving your goals. Make a chart comparing the internal and external barriers you see as standing in the way of achieving your vision.

Nearly all internal barriers are within your control. The barriers outside of your control are largely external. These are things you have no influence over. It is fruitless to fret over barriers you cannot control. Focus on the ones you have some control over.

There are three proven techniques for dealing with obstacles:

• Decide what you're willing to give up in order to eliminate the obstacle.
• Identify hidden opportunities or strategies that could help you face the obstacle.
• Chunk the problem into manageable pieces, so you can deal with each smaller piece separately. You could also compromise. This would enable you to accomplish two seemingly independent tasks or goals at once.

How will you overcome your obstacles?