by Michelle Cummings

Success doesn’t start with action. It starts with vision. Leaders who can clearly see what success looks like—before it happens—create the focus and energy needed to make it real. That vision becomes the north star that guides decisions, inspires the team, and shapes culture from the inside out.

Too often, leaders get caught in the day-to-day swirl of tasks, meetings, and deadlines. They solve what’s urgent instead of pursuing what matters most. Without a clear vision, even strong performers can lose direction. It’s like rowing hard in a fog—motion without meaning. When leaders take time to define success, they bring clarity to the chaos.

Vision doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a vivid picture of the future you’re working to create. What does success look like in your role? How will the team function when things are going well? What will be true when you’ve done your job right? These answers help shape priorities, conversations, and culture.

It’s also not enough to have a vision—you have to share it. Leaders who bring others into that picture build commitment, not just compliance. When people can see themselves in the outcome, they begin to own it. A strong vision shifts language from “I hope” to “We will,” creating shared belief and momentum.

Vision is also a performance tool. It helps leaders focus energy, say no to distractions, and steer the team through uncertainty. When obstacles arise, vision brings people back to purpose. It reminds them why their effort matters. It shifts mindset from reaction to creation.

This practice is embedded in the Eyes Module of our Core Program. It equips leaders to create, articulate, and activate their vision in practical ways—so they can lead with focus, clarity, and purpose.