Episode 2: Creating Vision

The Leadership Excellence Podcast

Episode Title: Creating a Vision
Hosts: George and Tom

Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction

• George and Tom open the podcast with a discussion about the importance of vision in leadership and organizations.
• Mention of using AI to enhance processes, with a teaser for an announcement at the end of the episode.

2. What is a Vision?

• A vision is the ideal state of what a company or individual wants to achieve in the long-term.
• Discussion on the balance between being narrow enough to focus and broad enough to inspire.
• Japanese companies often think in terms of 50-100 years, showcasing their long-term focus.

3. Personal Vision

• George: Aims to unlock untapped human potential in every interaction.
• Tom: Focuses on creating a better environment for leaders and people.
• Importance of wanting to achieve something versus being forced to do it. 
  • Example: Productivity is higher when employees want to accomplish goals rather than feeling obligated.

4. Ikigai (Japanese Concept)

• Explanation of Ikigai: The intersection of: 
  • What you love.
  • What you're good at.
  • What you can get paid for.
  • What the world needs.
• The hosts emphasize the value of finding one's purpose and aligning it with their vision.

5. Challenges in Creating a Vision

• Companies often focus solely on monetary goals, but a deeper purpose is necessary.
• Vision must go beyond profits to motivate employees and align efforts.
• Example: IKEA’s vision: “To create a better everyday life for people.”
  • Subgoal: Achieve 100% circular business by 2030 (recycling, reusing materials).

6. Simple, Memorable Visions

• Example: GC Dental’s vision, “No pain dentistry,” which inspired employees and drove clarity in their goals.
• Importance of a vision being clear, concise, and inspiring enough for employees to rally behind it.

7. Practical Steps to Create a Vision

• Close your eyes, reflect, and deeply think about what you want for yourself and others.
• Include others in your vision to build shared ownership.
• Evaluate your company's current state: 
  • What went well last year?
  • What didn’t go well, and why?

8. Examples of Vision Creation

• Norman Bodek’s Approach:
  • Start by listing 50 things you’re proud of or grateful for.
  • Visualize achieving your vision and think about what’s next.
• Open Window 64 Chart:
  • Place a central goal in the middle, surrounded by 8 focus areas.
  • Expand each focus area into subgoals, creating 64 actionable goals.
  • Example: Marketing as a focus area can have subgoals like improving campaigns or customer outreach.

9. Lessons from Business Failures

• Kodak Example: Missed the opportunity to adapt to digital photography due to rigid paradigms.
• Swiss Watchmakers Example: Lost business to competitors after dismissing digital watches as unimportant.
• Lesson: Stay open to change and innovation.

10. Final Thoughts

• Vision must be: 
  • Memorable.
  • Achievable.
  • Aligned with employees’ goals and motivations.
• Paradigms can limit growth—stay adaptable and open to learning.
• Japanese philosophy: “Keep your cup right side up,” meaning always be open to new ideas.

Next Episode Teaser

• Topic: Aligning goals to your vision and crea