Chapter 7: Creating and Communicating a Vision

What are the 5 characteristics of a vision?

1. A picture 2. A change 3. Values 4. A map 5. A challenge

What are the leadership and communication skills needed to implement a vision?

1. Acting out the vision 2. Setting performance expectations 3. Keeping eyes on the goal 4. Sharing work and empower people

Implementing a vision is a quick and easy process for effective leaders.

False

It is uncommon for a leader to experience follower resistance to an articulated vision.

False

Taking good features of a prior system and improving them to achieve a new goal is an example of which characteristic of a vision? a. a map b. a challenge c. a picture d. a change

d. a change

When a leader is able to effectively explain and describe their vision to followers, this is called being able to ______. a. enforce b. persuade c. clarify d. articulate

d. articulate

Why would a leader use a symbol when articulating a vision? a. to represent a personal experience b. to invoke fear of not changing c. to create an organizational identity d. to promote group cohesion

d. to promote group cohesion

In order to achieve positive change, visions must address what? a. costs of change b. followers' weaknesses c. followers' strengths d. values

d. values

In terms of leadership, a mental model of an ideal future state is called a/an ______. a. objective b. goal c. dream d. vision

d. vision

What are five leadership and communication skills needed to communicate/articulate a vision?

1. Adapt the vision to your audience 2. Highlight values 3. Select uplifting words and symbols 4. Use inclusive language 5. Be specific to provide guidance, vague for flexibility

A leader should wait until they have a vision fully fleshed out before sharing it with others.

False

A vision should be fully developed and well planned out before being presented to followers.

False

What role to mental models (also known as schemas) play in communicating visions and leadership?

Influenced by: • Experiences • Education • Culture • What we watch, read, listen to, etc. • Allow for quick information processing • Can lead to stereotyping

What is the difference between a mission and a vision?

Mission: •What the organization does •How to achieve vision •The "what" & "how" Vision: •A mental model of an ideal future state •The guiding beacon of the organization •The "why"

A vision constructs a picture of a future that is better than the status quo.

True

Visions imply change and change can occur in many forms.

True

When a leader implements a vision, they must model to followers the attitudes, values, and behaviors that support the vision.

True

When employees understand the larger purpose of an organization, they better understand how their work contributes to the organization's success.

True

When leaders implement a vision, it is important that they collaborate with others and share the work in order to meet the end goal.

True

Match the description with the correct characteristic of a vision. a. picture b. change c. values d. challenge e. map

a. an idea of a better future b. a new way of doing things c. beliefs and ideas d. a push to change for the better e. provides direction

How might a leader highlight the values of their vision? a. emphasizing the ideals of the vision b. emphasizing the need for the vision c. emphasizing the gains of the vision d. emphasizing the positivity of the vision

a. emphasizing the ideals of the vision

According to the text regarding visionary leadership, which of the following is a true test of a leader's abilities? a. implementing the vision b. communicating the vision c. gaining followers' support of the vision d. creating the vision

a. implementing the vision

The president of a nonprofit organization that is built upon a vision of civic engagement regularly shares their vision with the staff, provides feedback on how they are contributing to the organizations' vision, and puts up physical reminders of the vision in the office. The president also personally meets with leaders of local communities and implements community programs in the area. Which action by the president best represents the concept of acting out the vision? a. meeting with leaders of local communities and implementing community programs b. sharing the vision with staff members c. providing feedback to staff members about their contributions d. putting up physical reminders of the vision in the office

a. meeting with leaders of local communities and implementing community programs

Which of the following characteristics of a vision requires an act of faith by followers? a. picture b. challenge c. change d. values

a. picture

Beliefs, ideas, or modes of action that people find worthwhile are considered ______. a. values b. ethics c. views d. principles

a. values

In what way is a vision statement a map for leaders? a. It reflects followers' values. b. It helps leaders know if they are on the right track. c. It tracks in real time how close the company is to achieving its vision. d. It visually depicts how the company's vision differs from competitors' visions.

b. It helps leaders know if they are on the right track.

A vision provides a planned-out path to follow to reach a goal or accomplish a task. What is this laid-out path called? a. a mission b. a map c. a plan d. a strategy

b. a map

When a vision provides a path for followers, which characteristic does this represent? a. a challenge b. a map c. a picture d. values

b. a map

Which aspect of a vision asks individuals to commit themselves to worthwhile causes? a. values b. challenge c. map d. a picture

b. challenge

Turning a vision into reality requires ______ and ______. a. communication; inspiration b. communication; action c. action; support d. skill; power

b. communication; action

When a leader articulates a vision, it is recommended that they ______. a. use neutral language b. present alternative paths to the goal c. adapt the vision to the audience d. emphasize the extrinsic value of the vision

c. adapt the vision to the audience

Which of the following is a way leaders can improve how they communicate their vision? a. use exclusive language when describing the vision b. emphasize the vision's extrinsic value c. adapt the vision to their audience d. avoid using motivational words and symbols

c. adapt the vision to their audience

Which action is most effective for articulating a vision to followers? a. creating an us/them dynamic b. using neutral language c. emphasizing the value of the vision d. having a singular message for all audiences

c. emphasizing the value of the vision

Which of the following terms describes the process of achieving a vision? a. quest b. job c. mission d. task

c. mission

When implementing a vision, leaders should ______. a. set low, easily obtainable goals for followers b. followers to set personal goals c. set high expectations for followers d. avoid setting any goals for followers initially

c. set high expectations for followers

Visions are grounded in ______. a. goals b. ideas c. values d. changes

c. values

What is sensemaking? How do you do it?

• process of creating a new mental model or schema • "Making sense" of the unknown or a disruption Internal: Why am I not getting along with my new boss? Interpersonal/Social: Why did Nancy get fired? Organizational: Why are we losing employees to our competitors? External: What are the trends for the future? How does COVID-19 impact our present and future operations?