If you’ve ever struggled with poor vision, then you understand the value of being able to see clearly. Until I was 29 years old, I woke up every day unable to see the alarm clock on the nightstand beside my bed. So when decided in my late twenties to get Lasik eye surgery, it was as if someone finally turned on the lights for me. All of a sudden, I could see!

Sometimes, this same thing happens when we gain a higher level of visibility of our past and our future. Something powerful happens when you can look back with understanding and move forward with precision. The better your vision for your life becomes, the more clear you will be on your vision. And as you lead, those following you will receive clear direction to help you and themselves.

There will be some people under your leadership who require less direction than others. It could be that they naturally catch the vision. Maybe God has given them special eyes to see what He has put in your heart. Maybe they are closer to you or more naturally understanding of things others don’t get as easily. Sometimes, you will lead people who need you to break down even the smallest details regarding the vision. Either way, both groups of people – those easy to lead and those more challenging to lead – will need you to be in tune with your long-term goals and be able to communicate what role they play in the process.

How do you get clear on your vision and communicate it to your people? Here are some ways that I lead with clarity.

Begin with the end in mind

What kind of person do you want to be? How do the small decisions you make line up with that person? Before you can figure out your vision, begin with the end in mind. Are you supposed to be committed to your family right now? Is your calling outside of the home and focused on ministry? Are you on track to become a CEO of a Fortune 500 company? Do you need to prioritize a certain level of education or certification in order to be taken seriously? When you are sure about your focus, you can zoom in on the steps to get there and cut out distractions. 

Clear Your Path

When I realized there was an antidote for my blurred vision, I researched and acted on the necessary steps to fix my situation. I made phone calls. I visited the doctors, I talked to other people who had had the procedure done. I did my homework because I wanted to make sure I had a clear path for moving forward. Is there anything blocking your view?

Is there information you don’t have or details you need to sort out? What do you need to do to declutter your time or your long list of tasks so that you can get clear on what needs to come next for you to move the needle forward? Sometimes, it’s hard for me to get clear on things when my mind is cluttered with everything I have to do. So, I have to clear my path by listing each step one by one to get from where I am to where I want to be.

What can you do to clear your path? It may just be a matter of saying no to certain obligations or letting go of commitments so you can give a greater yes to your future.

I often feel overwhelmed when my physical space is cluttered and I can’t access the information I need. How does your physical space lend itself to you doing the most important things? Sometimes, a cluttered path is ideological. It gets in the way of my creative ideas, problem-solving, and visionary thinking. Sometimes it’s mental or emotional. But many times, it’s physical. Consider that you might be able to lead more effectively when you’re less stressed and more organized. It’s only stuff! Get rid of what no longer serves you. The people who are working with you or being led by you will be grateful that you can lead with clarity.

Make Your Vision Plain

Consistent and clear communication with your people is critical to the success of your vision. You should write out your expectations for those supporting you. Go over them with your team. Then go over them again! Let those you lead know what your systems, processes, and expectations are. Then, check in with them regularly to ensure everyone is “rowing in the same direction.”

Your commitment to treating your people well, with respect, grace, and expectancy, will help you overcome challenging moments that inevitably occur when working with others. Say thank you and show gratitude often. It may be difficult for someone to get on board with your vision if they weren’t along for the beginning of the journey or don’t feel appreciated as you move the vision forward.

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.”-Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)

Leading others well requires you to have clarity in focus and communication. When you’re sure of your vision, your people will be able to be confident in following you as you follow Jesus.

My desire is that you move forward with 20/20 vision in both your personal and your professional life. Answer the reflection questions below. Then make the time to write a one-sentence vision statement for your business that captures the direction you want to grow in. You might even choose to write a vision statement for your life in general and create more of a personal mission statement. For example, a clear vision statement sounds like, “My vision is to inspire women of all walks of life to grow in relationship with Jesus.” Share your vision statement with me in the comments! I’d love to celebrate you as you commit to writing down the vision that God has given you!

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever followed someone who wasn’t clear on their vision? How did that make you feel?
  2. Is there anything causing you to have blurred vision? Too many commitments? Too much clutter?
  3. What can you do to more effectively communicate with your people?

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Chrystal is the Founder and CEO of The Sister Circle, an organization that exists to provide practical encouragement and equip women of faith to live with intention and purpose. Chrystal is also a best-selling author and speaker who reaches a wide audience, speaking at conferences, hosting her podcast, and leading the women’s ministry at her home church.