Making Vision Stick...

I read this awesome and short book by Andy Stanley, Making Vision Stick, on my trip to Lima, Peru back in July. I have eagerly wanted to share my notes with you guys and since I haven't updated my blog in awhile, I thought this would make up for my inconsistency. :)

- Vision is about what could be and should be, but life is about right this minute.
- To make our vision stick the most important thing to remember is: I am responsible.
- It's the leaders responsibility to ensure that people understand and embrace the vision of the organization.
- 5 things to Increase adhesiveness:
1. State the Vision Simply:
- Easy to communicate
- Must be memorable: "It is better to have a vision statement that is incomplete and memorable than to have on that is complete and forgettable."
2. Cast the Vision Convincingly:
- Communicate it in a way that moves people to action [The book of Nehemiah.]
a. Define the problem: -every vision is a solution to a problem - What's at stake issue that grabs
b. Offer a solution
c. Present a reason - Why must we do this? Why must we do this Now?
3. Repeat the Vision Regularly
- Think of the most beneficial times to repeat vision. Vision should evoke emotion
4. Celebrate the vision systematically
- What's celebrated, is repeated. Stories, emails, notes, letters.
- "What happened last week that made you feel like you've made progress in your mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Christ?"
- Nothing gives definition to vision like pausing to celebrate a win.
5. Embrace the vision personally
- Live out the vision. People will see and it will catch on. It's liberating
- You begin to be an influential leader.
- communicate it honestly
- Vision Slippage Indicators: Projects, Products, Programs, Requests, Stories, Complaints
- DANGER: When there are no stories to tell, somethings wrong.
- It takes bold leadership to make vision stick!
- He ends with a great story of his son's baseball team and the coach.
- Remember we are in this world for so much more than fun activities. We are here to partner with people/students/kids to reach a personal relationship with Christ.
- "Pay the price. Embrace the vision. And do whatever it takes to make your vision stick!"

This is a great hour or so book read. I am not as disciplined as my incredible husband who is in the process of reading and listening to like five books, but I'm getting there. I really enjoyed this book and I am pushing to make our vision stick.