The Importance of Vision
In his book, "Developing the Leader Within You," John Maxwell writes on the importance of 
leadership by saying, "All great leaders possess two things: one, they know where they are going and two, they are able to persuade others to follow. " Probably one of the greatest examples of vision can be found in Dr. Martin Luther's King's, "I Have a Dream," speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to more than 200,000 people, which eloquently describes perhaps the most famous vision in American history.
Not only does Dr. King describe his vision, he describes the vision of thousands of people, all galvanized behind his words and his strong leadership.
Having a vision is important for any leader. But just because a leader has a vision does not mean that people will follow that person. In "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership," The Law of Buy-in states that, "People buy into the leader, then the vision."
The Law of Buy-in
People buy into the leader, then the vison.
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The leader finds the dream and then the people. The people find the leader and then the dream.
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People don't at first follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders who promote worthwhile causes.
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People want to go along with people they get along with.
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You cannot separate a leader from the cause he promotes.
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When followers don't like the leader or the vision they will start to look for a new leader.
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When followers don't like the leaders but they do like the vision, they still look for a new leader.
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When followers like the leader but not the vision, they change the vision.
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When followers like the leader and the vision they will get behind both.
As you continue you journey on becoming a leader, remember the words above. And as you read the words above, think of all the great leaders you have admired and their vision. While you are thinking, take a few minutes to enjoy Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech below. To start the speech, click on the "play" triangle.
If you would like the text version of this famous speech, click HERE to download.
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