Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps, down new roads, armed with nothing but their own vision. Ayn Rand
In 1964 a little athletic shoe company was started by a man named Phil Knight. He named his company “Nike” for the Greek Goddess of victory.
Knight chose this name not so much to make a statement of his aspirations but for the purpose of the company. Knight declared Nike would be dedicated to helping athletes excel and win.
If this meant pouring resources into the best design department in the industry…. he was going to just do it.
If it meant that Nike would pay Michael Jordan and other talented athletics millions of dollars to serve as product testers…. He was going to just do it.
Nike’s vision was to make its customers winners or at least make them feel like they were winners.
For over thirty years every decision, every action, every choice, every idea Nike has is based on Knight’s defined vision.
Today Nike has become a premiere athletic shoe and sportswear company in the world.
To have a vision is the art of seeing into the future.
It lets you know where to stand and what to stand for- because unless you stand for something you shall fall for anything.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself when creating your companies vision:
- What kind of company do we want to create?
- What contribution would we make?
- How would our services, products bring value to others?
- How would our people work together?
- What values would we embody?
When a company has a clear vision for the business, they are creating a picture of the future. They can then work backwards, identifying priorities and what needs to be done to actualize the end result.
A company that is emotionally moved by their vision has the strength to overcome the rough spots and the ups and downs. A thoughtful and authentic vision comes from your heart and touches the soul.
Lead From Within: Visions are not only for companies but also for individuals who are wanting to make a difference and bring value into the world. How can you- as a heart based leader- create a vision, articulate it passionately, own it relentlessly and be driven to just do it.
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Chef Chuck
11. Jul, 2011
I thank you for sharing!
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Chuck
YOU are so welcome!
Blessings
Lolly
Edward Colozzi
11. Jul, 2011
Thanks for providing a gentle “kick in the pants” to encourage ALL people to discover what provides meaning and purpose to them, and then, engage in action that moves them/others forward, and especially for reminding us that, “Visions are not only for companies, but also for individuals who are wanting to make a difference and bring value to the world”.
Too often, people have low self-efficacy beliefs about their ability to accomplish things-yet they have secret dreams (yes, in their hearts) about things they would LOVE to do to make a difference.
So much needs to be done to improve our nation and our world. Even with all that is good, much more can and will be done by women and men who take time to feel their calling, believe in their calling, and as you remind us, act on their calling, and… JUST DO IT!”
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Edward,
Love your thoughts….
….. much more can and will be done by women and men who take time to feel their calling, believe in their calling, and as you remind us, act on their calling, and… JUST DO IT!”
Blessings
Lolly
Sweetie Berry
11. Jul, 2011
So much of what we have become as a society is one that talks much about goals but one that often excuses ourselves and others for “valid” reasons.”Valid Excuses” have become synonymous with “I don’t take time, care, effort, discipline, or the responsibility to do it.” Change happens one person at a time. Opportunities come one moment at a time. Our personal impact happens one action at our time, our actions are our witness….what we believe shows as you’ve taught for so many years. As always…you’ve provided something to resonate on and think about.
With much affection,
Sweetie
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Dear Sweetie,
As always you are information and insightful.
Love your sentiments
Blessings
Lolly
Emelia
12. Jul, 2011
This is the second time in three hours that the climb of Nike has been brought to my attention. I think the Universe is trying to tell me something…”Just Do It.”
Thank you for the reminder that my vision is relevant and worthy of being realized.
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Emelia
Do not ignore the signs of the universe! Listen intensely there is a message…..
Deborah Connolly
13. Jul, 2011
Could not agree more – that’s often the hardest step because it is not just a step but an entire illuminating journey that will truly alter the way you understand and lead yourself. Great sentiment, looking forward to reading more of your content!
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Deborah,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a heartfelt comment.
Circle back anytime. I would love to know what you are thinking.
Lolly
Connie McKnight
13. Jul, 2011
I love your statement “A thoughtful and authentic vision comes from your heart and touches the soul.” That is something I will remember when I’m helping people to create their vision for the future. I’ve always used the phrase “Your why should make you cry”, but I don’t think it’s as impactful.
Thank you for sharing Nike’s vision. “to make its customers winners or at least make them feel like they were winners.” was a huge undertaking, but they accomplished it. It goes to show that if you put your focus on others first, you can achieve anything you want.
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Connie,
“A thoughtful and authentic vision comes from your heart and touches the soul.” I believe that is what its all about…..
Blessings for stopping by!
Lolly
Sharon Corsaro @growinggold
13. Jul, 2011
Beautiful! I love the most, your very last bit…
“Lead From Within: Visions are not only for companies but also for individuals who are wanting to make a difference and bring value into the world. How can you – as a heart based leader – create a vision, articulate it passionately, own it relentlessly and be driven to just do it.”
SO perfectly, just SAYS it!
Bless you!
lollydaskal
13. Jul, 2011
Dear Sharon,
Yes! having vision is for everyone and anyone who wants to make a difference.
Blessings
Lolly
David Belden
13. Jul, 2011
Lolly,
I appreciate your emphasis on adding value rather than profit. We often lose sight of the former, yet that is what justifies the latter. Working with small to medium-size businesses through Vistage is a great opportunity to re-emphasize your message.
Thanks for the reminder.
Jon M
13. Jul, 2011
Lolly,
This is so true. The “just do it” really means getting the right, authentic vision in place. It delivers clarity in the actions, as well as passion and motivation. This is aligned actions at its best!
Thanks.
Jon
Paul Decakrd
22. Jul, 2011
Great article! Really enjoy your website.
Kids Nike Trainers
30. May, 2015
Thanks for finally writing about >Just Do It – Lolly Daskal | Leadership Development | Lolly Daskal <Loved it!