Leading through visionary leadership

A visionary leader is one driven and inspired by what an organisation aspires to become.

They are more concerned about the big picture rather than being bogged down with technicalities.

He or she is a leader who subscribes to this style and keen on moving the organisation into a broader direction while promoting unity and tenacity to push through times of uncertainty.

A visionary leader is needed for their leadership and guidance and in times when the organisation is experiencing a transition or is facing challenging times.

What then makes a visionary leader who has all it takes to assist in the achievement of a sustainable future? Let us interrogate some of the ingredients of a visionary leader:

λ Focuses on Innovation- A visionary leader is focused on moving past the normal and bringing in new projects, and initiatives. As a result, a visionary leader has to be comfortable with failure and volatile effects that come with changes.

λ    Resilience- A leader who is able to lead through difficult times and must be full of tenacity and determination. In such situations, they have to fight against the norm, organisational politics, and external pressures.

λ    Strategic Thinker- Visions have to be planned for and thought about strategically. Visionary leaders will always plan to have the organisation achieve what they wish to look like and come up with strategies that support the achievement of that goal. They may not be technocrats, but they can see and plan for the big picture.

λ     Risk Takers- Visionary leaders are aware that achieving a new goal is a risk. They understand that there is no guarantee that strategies they develop will work at all times, but visionaries are comfortable with the uncertainty and take as many measures possible to ensure the plan is successful.

λ Skilled Communicators- Communication is an important aspect for a visionary leader. Effective visionary leaders have the ability to provide the much needed direction for their subordinates.

•       In most cases they use their charisma to cause others to understand the bigger picture- Visionary leaders focus their eyes on set goal, and they will do all in their power to create an environment that help to accomplishing it. One important aspect of visionary leaders is self-control and self-discipline to effect position change and inspire subordinates.

Strengths of a visionary leader

λ     Rallying Subordinates towards achieving set goals – Visionary leaders are good at inspiring subordinates to become invested in the vision. They seek to promote unity and get everyone on the same page during along the journey.

λ  Maintaining Focus – The visionary leader’s goal is to keep the team focused. Visionary leaders are known for being focused all the times.

λ    Promotion of Innovation and Creativity – Visionary leaders allow and encourage those they work with to develop their skills and try out new ideas. They are optimistic about the future, and in turn, promote creativity and new ideas. They are advocates of psychological safety among team members

Chiedza Kadare is an OD Practitioner. You can get in touch with her on WhatsApp/call +263 77 283 0986 or Email chiedza.kadare@gmail.com

Paul Nyausaru is an OD Practitioner and leadership coach. For all your OD interventions and leadership development training you can get in touch with him on WhatsApp/call +263774062756 or Email pnyausaru@gmail.com