This is especially true if they can articulate it in a way that resonates with wider audiences. Some of the most well-known examples are Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, Malala Yousafzai, and Greta Thunberg. Their visions for equality, beautiful gadgets, girl’s education, and the environment are readily understood. If we think for a moment of the countless lesser-known visionaries who have shaped our world - from how we are educated to what food we consume, and which diseases no longer kill us. There are many truly inspirational people that defy their relative invisibility, but that have been crucial in our evolution and prosperity to date. Without their conviction and ability to communicate a different future, we would be in a very different place. 

A project vision is equally powerful. 

Leaders of change in our built environment should feel confident to create a vision.  

A vision can motivate and compel people to stand with you. It can empower greater autonomy within your team and create external champions for your project. If people can believe in a vision or at the very least see the potential for positive transformation - then you open the doors to inspiring their best work and commitment. If you also allow them to take ownership of the vision – you will unlock incredible value buried within projects. 

Think of the hundreds and thousands of decisions that go into conceiving, developing, and implementing a project. Now imagine if your team and decision-makers can align themselves around a vision. If supported by adequate principles and a solid framework, you have the potential to streamline actions and decision-making throughout every stage of the project. 

Not all success can rest on a vision. 

But without something meaningful in place, you’re risking failure at the first hurdle.

My new book BUILD SUCCESS is out now. It’s designed as a pragmatic blueprint for courageous leaders to lead projects with greater confidence, clarity and ease.

Click on the button below to take a closer look at Build Success.

This article is written by Tania Ihlenfeld, CEO, and founder of Ede Enablers - your built environment leadership partner.