Vision statements. They pop up everywhere as organizations jockey for position in an ever-changing world. The fourth quarter of the year is prime time for casting those visions, the process of rolling out the latest vision to the folks who must embrace it and make it happen. Think of a fly fisherman or a spin casting fisherman expertly dangling the bait in hopes of a plump catch. The changing business picture may necessitate an annual update to the vision statement, but why are so many vision statements not believed or embraced? Could it be that those vision statements too often fail to inspire confidence and do not answer the correct questions?

“The future’s so bright we gotta wear shades!” Thus began the vision statement for an organization whose leadership distributed stylish sunglasses to each man, woman and child in attendance. However, two years later that same team passed out flashlights stamped with the company logo. That sums up the brutality of reality, doesn’t it? Vision casting continues unabated, but does that effort engender real change?

Ahaz’s Failure

The Old Testament character, Hezekiah, inherited a mess upon his father’s death. At age twenty-five Hezekiah took the reins of an organization suffering from his father’s poor leadership and sinful life style. Ahaz’s dastardly accomplishments included:

  • Promotion of Baal worship
  • Participation in child sacrifice
  • Worshiping the gods of Damascus and a host of other gods
  • Destroying the utensils used for worship in the temple of the Lord
  • Closing the doors of the temple of the Lord
  • Erecting altars to false gods in every corner of Jerusalem
  • Promoting the worship of false gods in every city in his kingdom.

The official review of Ahaz’s life and administration, found in 2 Chronicles 28:1, states “…he did not do right in the sight of the LORD…” Hezekiah had to hit the ground running as he surveyed the damage, devised plans for thriving in a bleak business picture, and recruited his people to come alongside and work toward mutually beneficial goals.

Hezekiah’s Leadership

Imagine an overnight promotion to the pinnacle of a nation suffering from a major economic downturn, invasion by multiple enemies, and the loss of thousands of hostages to foreign captivity with the devastating impact of grief on those left behind. Morale reached the negative range, and confidence in leadership evaporated. That’s the scenario Hezekiah found. Imagine his questions, “Where do I start? What changes will I enact? What comes first? How do I recruit the people to trust me, follow along, and work together?” Hezekiah’s solution, for inquiring minds who must know more, can be found in a newly released article, Hezekiah Casts His Vision.

Has the time arrived for you to jump into vision casting for your organization? Why not begin by studying the case of a stellar leader who had one chance to get the vision right in a desperate effort to refocus his team with a resounding call for action. Here’s the link again if you missed it: Hezekiah Casts His Vision.