Explaining how Vision Works

A simple feedback model explains how visions works (see Figure 9). A vision is a mental image that exists in the mind of the leader. If the leader is committed to the vision, behaves in a manner consistent with the vision, and communicates the vision well, followers will have a clear standard with which to compare their behavior. This suggests that a vision acts as a metagoal; it sits at the top of a hierarchy of lower-level goals (Thoms and Govekar In Press). The vision answers the question: “Why am I doing this?” Lower-level goals answer the question: “What do I need to do to accomplish the vision?” Once the vision is clearly articulated, the lower-level goals, project steps, and planning can begin. It is important to note that project managers will have visions for the projects that they are leading, which may actually be lower-level goals at the organizational level.

Figure 9. A Control Theory Model of Organizational Vision

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