Effective leaders filter communication through the “why.” The “why” of an organization is it’s purpose and vision.
When the communication of the organization isn’t driven by the leader and/or the “why,” it is by default communicating something…something less than desirable. Noise, dissent, silos, internal conflict, inconsistency, confusion, etc.
Ineffective leaders never clarify the “why,” or simply can’t stick to it. They become distracted by side issues or by trying to please too many disparate concerns. They may have tons of charisma but lack the discipline to either clarify or stick to the “why.”
Focusing on what is essential to and in support of the “why” is a key attribute of effective leadership and effective organizations.
The purpose/mission is the most important, singular reason an organization exists. It’s the overall goal they are trying to accomplish. It doesn’t really change, though it may be communicated differently over time. It is the long term goal of the organization.
The vision of an organization is a more specific, measurable application of the purpose/mission for a specified season. It relates to the preferred future of the organization in the next 1-5 years and is stated in measurable ways.
Strategy undergirds vision and mission. Strategy is the specific pathway chosen to achieve the vision, and ultimately the mission.
The communication of the organization must support and be driven by the leader. The communication of the organization must be filtered through the “why.”
What are your filters for communication as a leader? Do they support the “why”?
