Two of the core responsibilities of leaders in every sector are vision casting and goal setting. Sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably, and sometimes folks do one without the other.
But today, I would like to explain the difference and make the case that vision casting and goal setting go hand in hand. For the best results, you need to do both.
So let’s jump in!
The difference between vision and goals
When I think about the difference between vision and goals, I think about maps – vision is your destination, and goals are more like the route from your current location to the destination.
Leaders who excel in vision casting are inspirational and great at motivating others (and themselves) with the scope and scale of their vision. Goal setters are more focused on the day-to-day and operations.
Most people are naturally inclined to one or the other, but it’s important to remember that both are skills, and you can always develop in whichever area you are less strong.
If you focus on vision without setting goals, it’s likely that you’ll embark on new projects often with enthusiasm only to find that burn out sets in whenever obstacles appear. If you set goals without attaching them to a vision, you’ll likely find yourself feeling like you could be doing more, like you’re limiting yourself. You might feel like you’re unsure what you’re even making progress toward.
How to cast a vision
It’s important to start with vision and work from your vision to goals.
When you consider your vision, this is an opportunity to really dream big. Don’t limit yourself at this stage of the process. When you imagine living your most successful, happiest life a year from now, what does that look like?
Get specific – what do you and your team spend your days doing? What major successes are you celebrating? Are there any major changes you want to make?
Really take time to inhabit whatever you’re imagining at this point. Explore what you really want.
How to set goals that align with your vision
Once you have your vision firmly in mind, it’s time to set goals that will make your vision a reality. You are likely familiar with SMART goals. (SMART stands for specific, measurable, actionable, realistic, and time-bound.)
Let’s walk through an example of how to go from vision to goals. Let’s say a part of your vision is to launch a new program that connects the high schoolers you already serve with paid internship opportunities in your city.
You are going to need to break that down into actionable goals. For example, early in the process, you will need to connect with business leaders in the community. How many business leaders do you want to talk to? When do you need to have a list of possible partners created?
You might also need to hire someone to manage this program – to read applications from students and match them with internships. This person might also coach the students on how to prepare for interviews or have meetings with the students over the course of the internship. When do you need to hire this person by?
You get the idea, I’m sure. For every big plan that you have for the next year, it’s best to start thinking ASAP about the different smaller steps and how you’ll accomplish them.
If grant writing consulting is a part of your vision . . .
I know some folks reading this post are either thinking about starting their own grant writing consultancy or already have and are setting an ambitious vision for what they will accomplish in 2023.
If this is you, congratulations!
I’m excited to announce that I am opening a new Grant Writing Boss Club cohort January 3, 2023. You can learn more and join the Boss Club waitlist here.
