Can You Spot Your Open Receiver?

– June 16, 2010

Leaders with vision see what others can’t, just like in football where a good quarterback can see what the average quarterback can’t. Because of this vision he sees the play materializing before a receiver ever comes open and he throws the ball to that spot.

In business, most average people think about the day-to-day tasks they need to perform. Visionary leaders think about the big picture – the skybox view of the organization. That’s what sets them apart from someone who is only in the game to earn a paycheck.

World class leadership requires a big, bold, passionate and long-range vision that takes into account the scope of the entire team.

Children primarily think about completing their homework while parents focus on how they will pay for their children’s college education. A store employee mainly thinks about stocking shelves with inventory while the owner strategizes about the competition and how to raise the business to the next level. The President of the United States has a staff that schedules his appointments and advises him on national security matters while he focuses on improving the long-term condition of our country and maintaining our superpower status. Most people focus only on today, while visionary leaders dream of what they can accomplish over the horizon.

Leadership vision gives people direction on where they need to go. I have found that people in most organizations have an incomplete picture of their life and how they fit into the big picture of their company and organization’s vision. Most people have just one or two mental pictures that they play back time and time again. These pictures include retiring one day at age 65 or 70 and celebrating with a gold watch and a going-away party – only to expire a few years later. Isn’t that exciting?

Leadership vision helps people see beyond their business or industry and sets their eyes on living a long, joyous and prosperous life full of health, wealth, love, passion and purpose.

*Comment below and tell me your ideas!

http://twitter.com/SalesCooke David Cooke

I agree with most of the premises in this post. However, I am sensing that in these times, most leaders are also getting caught up in surviving the day-to-day activities. With as much uncertainty their are great leaders who have vision, however their visions are not all that grand or are skewed around survival. Note my extended comments in “A Resource for Visionary Leaders” http://nblo.gs/5libs.
http://twitter.com/KnowledgeBishop Tristan David Bishop

This is absolutely fantastic! I was just thinking this over earlier today: How vision is half of what differentiates truly successful companies. (The other half is empathy – in my opinion). This is the first time I've had the pleasure of reading your work. It will NOT be the last. Thanks again!
http://twitter.com/KnowledgeBishop Tristan David Bishop

This is absolutely fantastic! I was just thinking this over earlier today: How vision is half of what differentiates truly successful companies. (The other half is empathy – in my opinion). This is the first time I've had the pleasure of reading your work. It will NOT be the last. Thanks again!
http://twitter.com/RobynBryant Robyn Bryant

This is a good and honest post. There is a very different view point between a leader and the average person. The forest for the trees metaphor comes to mind. As well as the biblical quote, “Man without vision shall perish.” As leaders we need to constantly have a pulse on the big picture/broad goal. And, in doing so, we can’t let the small stuff get in the way of our sight.

Not to take anything away from the content of this post, I do want to mention Billy, the title threw me. I thought this would be more about teamwork. Your open receiver being the person that you can pass the ball to. The one who is playing on the same field as you, going towards the same or a similar goal. Even perhaps some mention of being the open receiver for someone else, in lieu of being that which you seek. And so forth and so on and etc.

Perhaps that’s a post for another day?
http://billycoxinternational.com Billy Cox

Appreciate the positive comments. I have a new book coming out soon Based on Leadership Vision…How to see what others can’t…Make it where others miss and stay Ahead of the Game! Tip. Ask Yourself Where do I want my organization to be 5 years from now “What chain of effects will this action create? Will it move me closer to this long term vision? or, Will it put a bandaid on the problem today and create a long term ripple effect? then act.
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Can You Spot Your Open Receiver?

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