How to Become a Visionary Leader

While visiting a long-time client and touring the ministry he has been leading for almost 30 years, I thought, “Here is an exemplary visionary leader in action.” I would estimate that well over a half million young people have been influenced by this organization’s vision to inspire youth to shape their world. Here are 8 things this visionary leader does that you can implement into your leadership.

1. Dream.

Above all, visionary leaders are dreamers. They love to think about what is not yet and what can be. This reflects what I have seen in this leader for many years – dreaming about how to reach more young people, how to raise up more leaders, and how to have the greatest impact for Christ and his mission.

2. Share inspiring stories.

Have you ever listened to someone, and the next thing you know, an hour has gone by and you didn’t even realize it? You begin to feel you are part of the story and the vision starts to inspire you! That is what this leader does – telling true and inspiring stories that capture your heart as much as your head.  

3. See things others do not see.

While driving around the 1,000-acre lakefront property with state-of-the-art facilities, this leader shared stories of how it came to be and pointed out areas that are not yet what they should be. He would look at something and say “See that? That has got to change!” He was not a mystic, but he did have the gift to see what so many others could not.

4. Invest in and empower others.

Visionary leaders not only see what can be regarding properties and programs, they also see the same potential in people. And they invest in those people and allow them to lead. This leader said, “We take 19-year-olds and entrust both peers and over 300 kids to each of them – and they learn to have real responsibility… and lead!” Over the years, many of these young people have gone on to positions of serious influence and leadership.

5. Honor others.

Visionary leaders often get all of the credit for success. But good visionary leaders are humble enough to know that it never could happen without their team. Everywhere we went, this leader introduced us to different staff members by name and honored them, sharing what they do and how well they do it. From the chef to the maintenance staff, he honored them all.

6. Make tough decisions.

Having vision is one thing. Making it happen is entirely different. This visionary leader has made many tough decisions over the years regarding programs, staffing, and finances. Such decisions can produce conflict and result in disappointment. But visionary leaders are willing to make hard decisions if they believe it is in the best interest of the mission.

7. Take risks.

If there is no risk present, there is no vision. Visionary leaders are willing to take risks. Some leaders are reckless in the name of vision. But good visionary leaders, like this one, seek counsel and listen to others. And when it comes down to it, they are willing to make a decision, often without any guarantees for success, because they know it is an even greater risk to do nothing.

8. Manifest humble authenticity.

In the first 30 minutes of watching this visionary leader share with his staff, he talked about his own weaknesses and vulnerabilities. That immediately set a culture where it’s ok to not be perfect and one where authenticity is affirmed. Sometimes, visionary leaders try to present an image of strength and infallibility. But this leader didn’t. He humbly and courageously shared his brokenness in front of a whole group of new staff as well as us, his guests.

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.