Drive connection with vision

- Vision, the first of the three core elements of a connection culture brings about a shared identity. Vision exists in an organization when everyone is motivated by the mission, united by the values and proud of the reputation. Absent and inspiring vision that unites people, they feel less connected to their organization and colleagues. They are less enthusiastic and energetic. Here are a few things you can do to boost the element of vision. Identify a vision phrase that's brief, memorable and inspiring. Your vision phrase can also be tied to your core values. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has used the phrase the best cancer care anywhere. In the early years of Charles Schwab, the discount brokerage firm, the vision was powered by its mission to provide the most useful and ethical financial products in the world. Internally Costco uses he phrase, do the right thing. This isn't about where they're going or why they exist. It's a reflection of how they're going to conduct their business. To bring vision phrases and your organization's values to life. Share real-life stories that reinforce them. To demonstrate its vision phrase, amazing things are happening here. New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System posts inspiring videos on its website of patients telling stories of how their medical teams saved their lives. Each business day, Southwest Airlines share stories on the company's intranet of employees living out Southwest values. At the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, three times a week they share wow stories that spotlight how an employee went above and beyond for a guest in a way that's aligned with Ritz-Carlton's values. Here's another best practice to boost vision. Engage people in strategic conversations, hold interactive meetings that help people see the big picture of your organization's work, the action plan to make progress and how they fit in. Bringing people in the loop reduces uncertainty and communicates you're a valued part of the team. People will feel more connected when they know the answers to the following questions. Who are we? In other words what are the core values that we really believe in and guide how we go about doing our work? Where are we going? This is about your mission for the year ahead. Why is it important? This is where you show how your work is making a positive difference to people in some way. How are we going to get there? This is where you articulate the top three to five priorities that will help you achieve your mission for the year. When employees live out a vision, mission and values that inspire and unite them, it produces a reputation they're proud of. When people feel proud of their reputation, they're more connected. Vision leaks, so look for ways to keep it in front of people. This is especially important for people who work remotely, because they're most at risk for not seeing the vision and keeping the big picture in mind when they're apart from colleagues. Take time now to reflect on the element of vision. Does your organization have a vision phrase that's memorable and inspiring? What has your organization done that's made you feel proud? Jot down a few examples. Consider gathering your direct reports together and have a strategic conversation for your team. Outline the points you would make for each of the four questions I mentioned. If you communicate an inspiring vision and work to make progress toward it, you'll experience greater momentum and energy that takes your group to a higher level of performance.