Your Dream - A Picture of a Compelling Vision

Leaders are out front, taking others towards a future different than what currently exists. They are leading towards their vision of a desired future state.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a vision of a desired future state - though he called it a dream. And 43 years ago today at a civil rights rally he shared that dream with more than 200,000 others at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

I'll bet you know at least part of the speech . . .

" . . . Let us not wallow in the valley of despair. I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.' . . . I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. "

Dr. King acted as a leader on that day (and many others). He held his vision clearly in his mind, but just as importantly, he communicated it clearly with others.

As leaders that is our opportunity and responsibility - to share our vision in a way that is compelling, because when it is communicated with passion and with an understanding of how others will benefit, that vision can become a reality.

Some may want to shake their head and think that they can't communicate like Dr. King. Perhaps you couldn't address thousands with words as eloquent as his. But you can let your passion and your vision show through to those you lead.

Read Dr. King's words today and think about the lessons for you as a leader. Think about your vision of the future. Think about how others will benefit from that vision. then allow yourself to share that vision in a meaningful and compelling way.

Those you lead will be glad you did.

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