In the 1970’s Robert Greenleaf wrote “visions, both good and bad, can be contagious.” When was the last time you set a vision for yourself? your team? your organization? The exercise of casting a vision is a critical step in building the future you want. Casting smaller scale, mini-visions can build momentum even faster and become even more contagious. Mini-visions build the future you want.
Let’s explore the concept of a mini-vision.
I recently walked across the Golden Gate Bridge with two friends of mine that have set a courageous mini- vision for their careers. This mini- vision is not at all their final career goal. Yet, they are stepping boldly into an opportunity and seeing where this mini-vision will take them. Walking behind them, I found myself getting swept up by the symbolic nature of the bridge and their mini-vision. As they walked across the span of the bridge with their backpacks, I admired their courage, sense of adventure, and ability to step out into an unknown future. Their mini-vision was and will be a contagious vision for all who cross their path.
In another example, a colleague of mine recently stepped down from her position so she could spend the summer with her family. Her mini- vision was clear. She knew that the years with her teenage kids at home was rapidly coming to a close. She could see college and summer jobs on the horizon. She cast a mini- vision of spending more time with family for summer 2017 and it quickly became contagious. Her husband and kids have all embraced the vision of adventures, fun and relaxing together this summer.
