Managing in Tough Times - Those Without a Vision Get Flipped

The ability to paint a coherent future when there is little direct evidence is one of the attributes of good leadership. Often leadership is so focused on the day to day challenges that they miss the bigger picture and other opportunities. Add the pressures of an economic downturn and thoughts can run inward and not look outward for new solutions.

By keeping your mind nimble and open to new ideas your ability to envision possibilities and exploit opportunities increases. Those with no vision will lose the opportunities to those who do.

Those with a vision can flourish

It is a wonder to me that all those shows on television and the infomercials where someone finds a house in disrepair and outmoded fixtures have the same message. The current owners lacked the vision and disciplines to do what the flippers do. Same house, same renovations, possibly even the same contractors, and the same new selling price. The difference is not who does the work of the renovations. The difference is those without a vision of the future or those with one to direct those renovations. Those with a vision that matches the market, collect the profits

The house flippers come in and see possibilities that the current owners never dreamed of. The current owner sees they want out; they see only what is wrong and want to move on to a better house. All they see are problems. The developers see possibilities and opportunities. The difference is imagination and the ability to articulate that vision to others so it makes business sense.

Opening your vision

If you find yourself a little short on vision, start expanding your view. Get yourself ready first. Perhaps go to a movie that you would not typically enjoy, and see what excites or interests the audience who is there. They came by choice, tag along with them.

Open your mind to at least notice what the parts they seemed to like. Be interested in their reactions, not just the story line. Talk about it afterwards with them. Do not make any of your own observations, just ask what they thought or liked and why. Listen to people who see things a little differently. You do not have to agree or disagree, just listen. Try to understand where they are coming from or what they find interesting.

At the end of the day, flip or be flipped

A simple exercise like this can help you to begin to view the world a little differently with a few more possibilities. For a house or business in need of renovation, you have to decide whether you are the flipper, or the one being flipped. The major difference is your ability to envision a brighter future while in the midst of a slumping economy.

Copyright 2008 Donald C. Mann. All rights reserved

Don Mann advises CEOs and business leaders across the globe. In organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 he has delivered level-raising results of improved innovation, sales, profits and cash flow in good and hard times. His results include developing and improving highly productive and lean organizations with more rapid responsiveness, reduced stress and profitable customer delight. Sitting on a number of boards, he helps CEOs grow their companies and shareholder value. For more information, contact him at: www.RiteMann.com

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