How do we measure progress?

One of the aspects where a lot of leaders fail is delivering on their vision. If we are serious about achieving the objectives set out in the vision then it is imperative that progress be measured. For example, how will we know when we have reduced poverty? Will it be while charity can distribute enough food or when the poor are capable of self sustenance? To ensure success, part of the implementation plan must include metrics and a way of identifying the reasons for deviations. There must be enough information available to identify where the resources are being used and how it compares to the plan. Also, other metrics such as the number of cases resolved per unit of currency gives an idea of the effectiveness of the policy.

Do we take full responsibility of the consequences or do we blame others? A characteristic of negative leadership is placing the blame on others for deviations in the plan. If there are any responsibilities that leaders have direct control of, it would be seeking information, making decisions and managing execution. In this sense I think leaders have an obligation to interpret the information correctly, understand the context and take action accordingly.

How does our vision contribute to leadership?

We can be so immersed in our hectic lives that we forget the reasons for dedicating so much time and energy to our daily activities. Having a vision gives us a purpose through objectives, that we can use to direct and prioritize our efforts. However, having a high-level vision is not enough. For example, most of us would like to eradicate poverty, but do we have the right plan to implement it? This is one of the steps where leaders fail to make the dream a reality.

Is the plan to take from the rich and give to the poor or is the plan to increase employment and productivity? When we define the plan it is important that we base it on realistic goals and sustainable resources. How do we motivate and mobilize the large numbers of stakeholders required to make the plan a reality? Sometimes the vision is launched in the hope that somehow people will figure out what to do. This is characteristic of leaders who think success depends entirely on them, and that it is enough to use rhetoric to enforce a vision. The truth is that great leaps in progress are achieved only when the hearts and minds of the collective are dedicated to achieving a vision.