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Leader’s Self-Insight 13.2 Getty Images

Visionary Leadership

Think about a situation in which you either assumed or 8. I spend time and effort making
were given a leadership role in a group. Imagine your certain that people adhere to
own behavior as a leader. To what extent do the follow- the values and outcomes that
ing statements characterize your leadership? Indicate have been agreed on. _______ _______
whether each item below is Mostly False or Mostly True 9. I inspire others with my ideas
for you. for the future. _______ _______
Mostly Mostly 10. I give special recognition when
False True others’ work is consistent with
1. I have a clear understanding of the vision. _______ _______
where we are going. _______ _______
2. I work to get others committed Scoring and Interpretation
to our desired future. _______ _______ The odd-numbered questions pertain to creating a vision
for the group. The even-numbered questions pertain to
3. I initiate discussion with others
implementing the vision. Calculate your score for each set
about the kind of future I would
of questions. Which score is higher? Compare your scores
like us to create together. _______ _______
with other students.
4. I show others how their inter-
This questionnaire pertains to two dimensions of
ests can be realized by work-
visionary leadership. Creating the vision has to do with
ing toward a common vision. _______ _______
whether you think about the future, whether you are
5. I look ahead and forecast what
excited about the future, and whether you engage others
I expect in the future. _______ _______
in the future. Implementing the vision is about the extent
6. I make certain that the activities to which you communicate, allocate the work, and provide
I manage are broken down into rewards for activities that achieve the vision. Which of the
manageable chunks. _______ _______ two dimensions is easier for you? Are your scores consis-
7. I seek future challenges for the tent with your understanding of your own strengths and
group. _______ _______ weaknesses? What might you do to improve your scores?

a number of successful companies, such as DuPont. Top executives routinely
review short-term operational goals with managers throughout the company,
refl ecting a focus on the present. However, DuPont has succeeded over the
long haul because of its leaders’ ability to look to the future and shift gears
quickly to take advantage of new opportunities. Since its beginning, DuPont’s
business portfolio has shifted from gunpowder to specialty chemicals, and
today, the company is moving into biotechnology and life sciences. 19

Vision Energizes People and Garners Commitment People want to feel enthusi-
astic about their work. Many people commit their time and energy voluntarily
to causes they believe in—a political campaign, community events, or environ-
mental causes, for example. These same people often leave their energy and enthu-
siasm at home when they go to work, because they don’t have anything to inspire
them. People are not generally willing to make emotional commitments just for

the sake of increasing profits and enhancing shareholder wealth. Vision needs to
transcend the bottom line because people are willing, and even eager, to commit
to something truly worthwhile, something that makes life better for others or

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