In his book, “Developing the Leader Within You,” John Maxwell touches on vision by writing, “All great leaders possess two things: one, they know where they are going and two, they are able to persuade others to follow. ” Probably one of the greatest examples of vision can be found in Dr. Martin Luther’s King’s, “I Have a Dream,” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to more than 200,000 people, which eloquently describes his hopes for a future America.
Not only does Dr. King describe his dream, he describes that of thousands of people, all galvanized behind his words and his strong leadership.
Having a vision is important for any leader. But, just because a leader has one does not mean that people will follow. In “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” The Law of Buy-in states that, “People buy into the leader, then the vision.”
Buying into the Vision – The Law of Buy-in
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The leader finds the dream and then the people. The people find the leader and then the dream.
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People don’t at first follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders who promote worthwhile causes.
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People want to go along with people they get along with.
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You cannot separate a leader from the cause he promotes.
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When followers don’t like the leader or the vision they will start to look for a new leader.
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When followers don’t like the leaders but they do like the vision, they still look for a new leader.
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When followers like the leader but not the vision, they change the vision.
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When followers like the leader and the vision they will get behind both.
As you continue you journey on becoming a leader, remember the words above. As you read them, think of all the great leaders you have admired and their vision. While you are thinking it over, please take a few minutes to enjoy Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech below.
If you would like the text version of this famous speech, click HERE to download.
