Vision can be polarizing! Some people will be drawn while others will be repelled. While it may appear that most of the “battles” are over vision, that is NOT where the bigger battles are found. Leaders, we are discovering, often get the essence of a dream or vision correct. By “essence” we mean that the dream likely will morph a bit when the vision is shared and others buy in and speak in. That process often clarifies and even heightens the power of the dream!
However, the mistake is to think that the “resisters” are those who are repelled by the vision. The truth is that many of these people are not so much against the dream, as they are repelled by the process and the timing. When leaders “push” they can alienate.
Some will say they don’t have time and must get to this vision. But speed often makes enemies where none were previously found.
Speed often tries to push the dream over others and therefore can communicate disrespect and stir enmity. Lack of process can also be a killer. When people are left out of the conversation they will typically become resisters.
I was recently in a large gathering of leaders seeking to make a decision. At one point a person said, “This (resistance) is about fear and lack of respect for the leader.” But was it? Is disagreement always disrespect? Are we not to be people who think for ourselves? The battle had begun! Assumptions and motives were being assigned, as opposed to listening more carefully to understand the questions, concerns and even entertain what might be a better path.
Leaders often get the essence of a dream or vision correct. But when we get the timing and the process wrong, THAT is where the battle rages. Slowing down, listening, processing and yet holding the dream is a high level skill leaders must develop. Then they can lead forward with minimal collateral damage!