Start with an Eye Exam: Achieving Visionary Leadership in Business and Life

Why Vision Matters

Every business leader has heard the importance of a vision statement. But vision extends beyond statements or missions; it’s the clarity that guides every decision and action. Vision shapes not only where you’re headed but also why it matters. Without it, even the best intentions can lead you astray.

Ed shares his journey of leaving corporate America to start BTYcreative. Initially, the focus was on the impact he wanted to have. However, the absence of a clear, scalable vision led to missed opportunities. It wasn’t until a renewed focus on vision—what to build, how to scale, and why it mattered—that the team’s efforts became more aligned and impactful.

Lessons from Visionaries

One of the most compelling examples of visionary leadership is Walt Disney. His meticulous planning for Disneyland and Disney World wasn’t just about creating amusement parks. He envisioned an experience that would deliver happiness and wonder. Every element was intentionally designed to fulfill this vision.

Andy Stanley’s concept of “marrying the mission and dating the method” resonates deeply here. The mission remains steadfast, but the methods to achieve it can evolve over time, just as they have for Disney and countless other successful enterprises.

The Eye Exam for Leaders

To ensure clarity of vision, leaders must periodically reassess their direction. Ed likens this process to an eye exam. Over time, just as physical vision can blur, so can business vision. Whether it’s adjusting goals or refining methods, regular check-ins ensure alignment with long-term objectives.

At BTY Creative, this reassessment led to identifying key questions:

• Who are our ideal customers?
• How can we serve them best?
• Which offerings bring the most value to both parties?

The answers clarified not just what BTYcreative does but also how they do it and for whom.

Personal Alignment with Vision

A strong vision aligns with individual strengths. Tools like StrengthsFinder help leaders identify their innate talents. For Ed, his top strengths—ideation, strategy, connectedness, positivity, and, fittingly, WOOO—informed his entrepreneurial journey. A business model not aligned with personal strengths is like wearing the wrong prescription glasses; it doesn’t allow for clear, effective leadership.

Contextualizing Vision

Vision must also consider the unique circumstances and barriers of an individual or organization. Ed recounts a personal story from a cycling class, where a fellow participant pushed through physical limitations. Despite his struggles, this individual’s effort represented a significant win because it was contextualized against his own challenges.

This illustrates an important point: Your vision must account for your current reality. Whether it’s overcoming barriers or recognizing opportunities, understanding your context ensures your vision is both realistic and aspirational.

Practical Steps for a Vision Check-Up

1. Schedule Regular Vision Reviews
   • Just as you’d visit an optometrist yearly, set aside time to reassess your business and personal goals.
2. Clarify What Winning Looks Like
   • Define success in measurable terms. For example, is it about revenue growth, customer retention, or community impact?
3. Align Vision with Strengths
   • Use tools like StrengthsFinder to ensure your goals align with what you’re naturally equipped to excel at.
4. Involve Your Team
   • A shared vision inspires collective effort. Engage your team to provide input and take ownership of the goals.
5. Adjust as Needed
   • Vision isn’t static. As circumstances change, refine your approach to remain aligned with your ultimate mission.

Encouragement for Leaders

It’s never too late to reassess and refine your vision. Whether you’re an established business leader or just starting, clarity of purpose can transform your impact. And remember, vision isn’t just for business; it’s a lens through which you approach life itself.

Final Thoughts

At The Wonder of WOOO, we believe that intentional service and consistent effort are the cornerstones of scalable, sustainable success. As Ed often says, everyone wants WOOO. By focusing on clarity of vision and the courage to act, you can win others over and over—creating not just a thriving business but a meaningful legacy.

If this episode inspired you, we encourage you to subscribe to The Wonder of WOOO podcast and join us on this journey of growth and impact. Let’s continue winning together!