This is the first installment of a four-part series entitled “Leadership: Key Steps to Building a Growing Company.” If you like this article, you can read part 2 here and part 3 here. Stay tuned for part 4 coming up next week.
We have many examples of great leaders in history. When we study these examples, one thing that’s pervasive in all these stories is these leaders possessed a vision for the future that (at first) seemed impossible to everyone else. Yet somehow people decided to follow these leaders and, despite all odds, they were able to achieve unprecedented success. How is this possible? How does leadership have this sort of power? And how can entrepreneurs tap into this powerful resource to help grow their businesses?
A Story of Vision, Leadership, Courage and Perseverance
The story of the Brooklyn Bridge is a great example of the power of leadership. This bridge, constructed between 1869 and 1883, is one of the greatest feats of engineering in North American history. But the bridge’s lead engineer, John A. Roebling, lost his leg and, later, his life before the bridge ever came to fruition. Before he died, he passed this ambitious project on to his son Washington, who had only his father’s preparatory plans to guide him.
Although Brooklyn Bridge was his father’s dream, it was Washington Roebling’s direction, leadership, and vision that pushed the bridge to be completed through even the most trying circumstances. Washington faced numerous challenges during the 14 years of construction, many of which are documented in his personal diary. One of the biggest challenges was convincing workers to work more than 106 feet below water level in caissons, water-tight containers that are used provide a dry work area in under-water construction sites. Not only were the caissons an extremely dangerous work environment; several workers developed what they called “Caisson Disease” from moving in and out of the caissons too rapidly. We now more commonly refer to this dangerous condition as Decompression Sickness, and it took the lives of more than 100 workers during the bridge’s construction.
But perhaps the most trying situation of all was that Washington himself fell prey to Caisson disease soon after he took over the project and was immobilized. While he was unable to visit the construction site in person after succumbing to Caisson disease, he solicited the help of his wife Emily to continue communicating with engineers and worker on the ground. With Emily acting as his eyes and ears for the project, Washington supervised the building of this remarkable structure from his bedroom window.
Washington’s story is a testament to the power that comes from strong leadership combined with vision and human effort. The way he overcame unexpected personal and professional challenges, his dedication to his father’s dream, and his ability to manage the project from beginning to end from his bedroom window are an inspiration. You can read more about Washington’s project in the book The Great Bridge by David McCullough.
The Importance of Vision in Business Leadership
Washington’s story should be an inspiration to all leaders striving to drive their businesses forward in today’s uncertain and unpredictable markets. But many business leaders I speak with have not taken advantage of the true power of leadership. Often business owners are so bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of running their business that they forget to define the vision and long-term goals for their company. If you lack clarity of vision as the leader of your company, how must employees that are following you feel?
As Washington Roebling’s story demonstrates, effective leadership begins with a vision for the future. A good leader can envision future goals for a project, even if others are unable to envision that future themselves. Roebling’s vision was so powerful, so clear and focused, so convincing that he was able to communicate that vision from his bedside window with his wife acting on his behalf. The clarity of your vision defines the direction in which you propel your team and your business forward. If your vision is unclear or unconvincing, your employees and team members will be unsure where they are headed and your business will be heading toward uncertain directions. On the other hand, if you have defined the vision for your company and worked to communicate that vision to them, your team will work with confidence and zeal to achieve what might, at first, seem impossible.
Aspire to New Growth With a Clear Vision
One of the main reasons why small businesses remain small is due to the lack of effective leadership practices and a clear vision for the future. Many entrepreneurs continue to focus too much energy on mundane tasks for years after they become business owners, failing to define the larger vision for their company. In the beginning stages of your business when you are stretched for resources, it is okay if you perform multiple roles in your business in addition to being a leader. But if you want your company to grow, things have to change. You have to embrace the role of the leader and steer your business in the direction you want it to go. Continuing to micro-manage your employees, taking on too many small tasks, not hiring the right people, and not setting long-term goals for your company are all counter-productive practices that are caused by ineffective leadership and a lack of vision.
Have you defined the vision for your company? How do you plan to achieve long-term growth? Click here to learn more about how the experts at Stravity can help you capitalize on effective leadership practices.
If you like what you read and feel this article was helpful, please like, share and comment below. I’d appreciate your participation and would enjoy learning from your feedback. Also stay tuned later this week for part two of this series
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