Let's See...What's Visionary?

Photo Credit: Richard Chicoine iCopyright 2009

The Visionary Leadership Style: Key Leadership Skill

~ moves people toward shared dreams

~ has a strong positive impact on climate / culture

~ is appropriate when change requires a new vision,

or when a clear direction is needed

Any leader would be wise to grab for the "visionary golf club" more often than not. It may not guarantee a hole in one, but it certainly helps with the long drive.

Visionaries need to be competent, transparent, and emotionally intelligent.

However... the Visionary Style does not work in every situation. It fails, for instance, when a leader is working with a team of experts or peers who are more experienced than he, and who might view a leader expounding a great vision as out of step with the agenda at hand.

This can cause cynicism,which is a breeding ground for poor performance.

Another limitation: If a visionary becomes over-bearing, she can undermine the spirit of team-based leadership.

Source: Daniel Goleman, Primal Leadership

Remember the "art of asking great questions - Appreciative Inquiry?

How "VISIONARY" is our current City Council?

What is your vision of our City's transformation?

What are you willing to invest to make it happen?

See you at City Hall on Thursday!

PS: Where was this week's photo taken? First correct answer wins a prize!