Vision Fuels Momentum

By Matty Bakkeren

Mike’s Note: This is a guest blog from my good friend Matty Bakkeren. His journey led him to a very successful career at Intel and now his entrepreneurial business of serving others with his vast IT knowledge at Momenthesis. He has a vision, and iI hope his blog will inspire you to set a clear vision for 2025 and beyond to even be more successful and significant in your sphere of influence.

If you asked five employees to describe your company's vision, would their answers align with the company's ambitions, or would they be vastly different?

This question reveals a critical issue: whether everyone in the organization is on the same page and driving towards a common goal or not. It's crucial for employees to understand how their work contributes to the company's success and fits into the bigger picture.

In many organizations, there is often a disconnect between daily tasks and the overarching vision. When employees are buried in back-to-back meetings and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to lose sight of how their efforts align with the company’s goals. This disconnection can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of aimlessness, where people feel like their work doesn’t make a meaningful difference.

A clear vision acts as a guiding star for the company, providing direction and purpose. It excites and motivates employees, aligning their actions with the company’s strategic objectives. This alignment is crucial for effective decision-making and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals, creating a cohesive and focused effort.

However, many companies fall into the trap of focusing solely on tactical goals, losing sight of the bigger vision. This can result in disjointed efforts that, while productive, do not contribute effectively to long-term success.

A strong vision challenges this behavior, encouraging everyone to evaluate whether their work aligns with the company’s broader goals and to adjust their actions accordingly.

The relationship between vision and momentum is deeply intertwined. A well-defined vision helps build and sustain momentum by providing regular feedback and adaptation. As the business environment evolves, the vision may need to be refined to ensure it remains relevant and achievable. When a company successfully drives sustained momentum, it is a clear indication that its vision is not only practical but also powerful in guiding the organization towards its goals.

In conclusion, a clear and compelling vision is essential for maintaining momentum in a company. It provides the necessary clarity and motivation that drives individuals and teams to act with purpose, ensuring that efforts are unified and focused on achieving the company's long-term ambitions. Without this vision, a company risks losing momentum and falling short of its potential.

So ask yourself and colleagues what your companies vision is and see if the answers align. It they do great!  If not, then I would suggest to put a regular refresh on the company vision on the agenda.