Page 15 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

take-away point from this is evident: clear
communication of a vision precedes vigorous
implementation of a vision.

♦ IMPLEMENTATION PRODUCES RESULTS
After a strategic vision has been effectively
communicated, action must be taken to make it
happen. A successful multi-stakeholder strategic
planning process will identify a path forward to
achieve the vision and deliver its intended results.
The same collaborative approach employed
to create the vision should also be utilized to
implement it.

A nice vision designed by a diverse team of
people means nothing without action behind
it. Look no further than professional sports for
an illustration. A soccer, basketball, or baseball
team with talented players can have a vision to
win a world championship. However, consistent
action is needed to work game plans, nail down
victories, and come out on top. Results matter.
James, author of a Biblical New Testament
book named after him, underscored this
dynamic when he penned the following verse
in the second chapter: “Even so faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone.” The best
collaborative strategic vision a company or
community can have is worthless without taking
action to implement it and yield results.

♦ VISION PRODUCES DIRECTION ♦ COMMUNICATION PRODUCES CLARITY ♦ BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFI-
The best strategic vision is a snapshot of a Once a vision has been forged through a CATION MAKES SENSE
desired future point in time. It is a defined collaborative process, it should be communicated Diversity and inclusion entail not only people,
“win” with associated strategies and tactics to effectively to those responsible for its creation and ideas, and strategies, but also goods, services,
make it happen through collective effort. A implementation. An inspiring vision is worthless and industries.
well-constructed vision produces unambiguous without targeted messaging to both internal and
direction for team members to follow. external audiences. Ask accomplished business executives about how
to grow a business and “diversification” will often
No real development occurs without vision. No The people involved in shaping it must have be cited. Given frequent market uncertainty,
meaningful progress is made without vision. a clear understanding of what it means to having diverse products and/or services included

No sustainable prosperity can happen without the organization and what it means to them. in client offerings is a common risk management

vision. Time, energy, and money will be wasted A differentiated communications strategy and revenue generation strategy.
without vision. Success in any organization or highlighting certain dynamics to particular
initiative will be elusive without a vision. groups brings clarity. Ask experienced economic developers about
keys to economic growth and “diversification”
Solomon, a former king of Israel who was the Habakkuk, a popular prophet from antiquity, will likely land at - or near - the top of the list.
son of the revered King David, is credited with wrote the following verse in the second chapter Why? Economies become stronger and more
supplying the vast amount of material in the of the Biblical book bearing his name: “Write resilient when more companies in different
Biblical Book of Proverbs. A compilation of sage the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that industry sectors are in business. Diversification
sayings, Proverbs contains wisdom applicable he may run that readeth it.” The universal is a solid defense during tough economic times.
for both business and economic growth.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish”
is a popular verse nestled within the twenty- Kamal I. Latham, MPP is the author of Your CEO Potential:
ninth chapter of Proverbs. The powerful truth Realizing Your Calling, Equipping, and Outcomes in
it conveys is as follows: no vision means no Christ Jesus, which is available at www.KamalLatham.com.
future. Businesses fail and economies collapse Kamal is also the former Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.
for a myriad of reasons, including lack of vision. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority.
Companies and communities lay the
groundwork of success by crafting strategic
visions through collaborative planning processes Kamal@KamalLatham.com +1.352.284.7996
that incorporate diverse viewpoints. Establishing
a vision and pursuing it creates the discipline
and momentum needed to win. www.KamalLatham.com/fdi-discount

CEOS KNOW YOUR PURPOSE 15. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL
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