The Leadership Insider network is an online community where the most thoughtful and influential people in business contribute answers to timely questions about careers and leadership. Today’s answer to the question “What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?” is by Shahrzad Rafati, founder and CEO of BroadbandTV.
Anyone who has ever started a business — particularly in the technology sector — knows the importance of a clear vision. Whether you’re launching a new product, forming a strategic partnership, or raising capital, a clear vision will help you make the best long-term decision for your business.
This is one of the first and most important lessons I learned as an entrepreneur. Effective communication can turn an idea into an initiative that teams rally behind and clients respond to. A clear vision empowers you to be bold in your endeavors and nimble as you move toward an objective, capitalizing on quick failures that ultimately, strengthen your company. With industries and markets evolving so quickly in the digital age, a well-defined vision is imperative.
A clear vision is similar to a state of mind; every member of your team is naturally speaking the same language and seamlessly collaborating. It isn’t a matter of “drinking the Kool-Aid,” I like to think of it as more of a “potluck” — everyone has the same meal in mind but each individual brings their own recipe to the table. In fact, a well-defined vision can lead to success externally as well. Communicating a clear vision to your audience turns happy customers into avid supporters, and no amount of direct marketing can truly drive a brand like an influential ambassador.
Read all responses to the Leadership Insider question: “What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?”
Why It Pays To Be Nice at Work by Erin “Mack” McKelvey, CEO of SalientMG.
The key to a successful career change: start a blog by Peter Thomson, marketing director of SeedInvest.
The secret to dealing with difficult coworkers by Clark Valberg, CEO of InVision.
The best way to plan for a successful career? Forget the planby Stephen Cannon, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
