As individuals, we carry a vision in our heads about where we are going and how we will get there. When we don't share that vision with our team, it is likely we will wonder and we won't take explicit steps toward that future state.
A mission is a north star, it points us in a direction. A vision is very explicit. It tells us what we are imagining we are heading toward, the specific steps to get from where we are to where we are going, and how we will know when we get there.
A great group visioning exercise is to plan a party ten years out to celebrate an important date, such as the company's future anniversary or some other significant event that will have meaning to the group. Once a future date is set, go through a visionary process of describing the party in utter detail–what is happening, who is there, what is their role, etc.
Use the backdrop of a party planning conversation to describe a future vision and anticipate your company's growth, it's people, customers, products and services.
With an inspiring shared vision the ongoing planning process is a matter of mapping a path to the future we imagine.
