DEFINING VISION

Many prominent leaders in elite team sports insist leadership starts with VISION. First and foremost, this means clearly setting the organizational direction and purpose. A vision is a statement about what your organization wants to become. It should resonate with all members of the organization and help them feel proud, excited, and part of something much bigger than themselves. A vision should stretch the organization’s capabilities and image of itself. It gives shape and direction to the organization’s future. It means convincing the followers that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Vision must be communicated, shared, and understood by all within the organization if the organization is to succeed. 

VISION STATEMENT

Vision statements help crystalize the goals and objectives for the program. A VISION STATEMENT is a vivid idealized description of a desired outcome that inspires, energizes and helps you create a mental picture of your target. It could be a vision of a part of your life, or the outcome of a project or goal. In relation to sports, vision statements create the blueprint for success and set the foundation for what you want the ending to look like.

A Good Vision Statement …

• Sets a standard of excellence
• Clarifies direction and purpose
• Inspires enthusiasm and commitment
• Bridges the present and future
• Is clear and easy to understand
• Is ambitious (not limited by current circumstances – what is perceived possible)

EXAMPLES:

Provide the vision and support to advance research, scholarship, and creative expression at Notre Dame to help the University become a preeminent research university with a distinctive Catholic character.

- University of Notre Dame research center

http://nd.edu/research/mission-and-vision-statement/

University of Nevada Intercollegiate Athletics will foster an environment in which “the team” can be successful through competitive and equitable programs driven by core values. (Team is defined as all athletics staff, student-athletes and volunteers.)

- University of Nevada Athletic Department

http://www.nevadawolfpack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10000&ATCLID=204799271

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GOAL SETTING

A vision encompasses setting long-term directional goals for the organization. Understanding different types of goals and how to set them is an important aspect in realizing that vision.

1. Outcome goals are the end result.

Examples: winning a match; hitting a bogey free golf round; running under a specific time; being selected for the national team; etc.

2. Process goals are the specific actions, behaviours, moods, and mental processes required to achieve the desired outcome.

Example: Focusing on keeping your back straight on squats; focusing on exploding out of your stansz

3. Performance goals are known as mastery goals.

Examples: Improve 1-rep max by 20 lbs; improve free throw shooting percentage from 75 to 80 percent; improve batting average from .270 to .300, etc…

4. Long-term goals – are another term for goals you will achieve over a long period of time.

Examples: Goals set for the semester, the year, five years, ten years, or twenty years (ex. Receiving your Master’s Degree in Sport Administration in two years).

5. Short-term goals – are another term for goals you will achieve in the near future.

Examples: Goals set within a day, a week, or even a few months (ex. If long-term goal is to receive your Master’s Degree in Sport Administration; short-term goals may include going to each class, maintaining a certain grade point average, participating in professional development opportunities or an internship

*Many prominent elite sport leaders approach goal setting differently, but one thing to keep in mind is to always be realistic when setting goals.

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DREAMS

Vision is a derivitive of having dreams. Dreams are the original source of inspiration. Initiative is what makes dreams a reality. There are many compelling stories of people overcoming obstacles in the process of achieving lofty goals. Why? Those people held on to their dreams. No matter what they were told was impossible, they believed and were willing to put forth the effort.