The Importance of Vision

In his book, “Developing the Leader Within You,” John Maxwell touches on vision by writing,  “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 his hopes for a future America.

Not only does Dr. King describe his dream, he describes that 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 one does not mean that people will follow.  In “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” The Law of Buy-in states that, “People buy into the leader, then the vision.”

Buying into the Vision – The Law of Buy-in

• The leader finds the dream and then the people.  The people find the leader and then the dream.
• People don’t at first follow worthy causes.  They follow worthy leaders who promote worthwhile causes.
• People want to go along with people they get along with.
• You cannot separate a leader from the cause he promotes.
• When followers don’t like the leader or the vision they will start to look for a new leader.
• When followers don’t like the leaders but they do like the vision, they still look for a new leader.
• When followers like the leader but not the vision, they change the vision.
• 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.  As you read them,  think of all the great leaders you have admired and their vision.  While you are thinking it over, please take a few minutes to enjoy Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech below.

If you would like the text version of this famous speech, click HERE to download.