Many candidates are vying for political office in the upcoming general elections. This is commendable for it shows that democracy is alive and well in Anguilla. But do you - as a people - know and understand what is each independent candidate's or party’s vision for the nation? Do you know where they wish to take you for the next five years if they are elected? Do you know what they want to achieve? Do any of the visions align with your vision as a people?

Mrs. Marilyn Hodge

Well, these are sobering and pertinent questions that need to be answered before casting your vote. You see, a vision is very crucial; everything hinges on it. In the Book of Proverbs it is said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." This is as true in business as it is in life. When leaders have no vision failure is inevitable.

Organizations or Governments whose leaders have no vision are doomed to work under the burden of mere tradition. They cannot prosper and grow because they are reduced to keeping things the way they have always been; they are guided by the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

However, true leaders see things differently. They are guided by another belief more in keeping with the competitive world in which we live. They believe, "If it ain't broke, you're not looking hard enough." Realizing that there is always room for improvement, they believe that no one has ever done anything so well that it cannot be done better.

Therefore it is imperative that leaders have a vision. They must share a dream and direction that other people want to share and follow. You may be wondering – What is this vision all about? What is the definition? Because vision operates on many levels, it is difficult to define simply. However, when it is said that a leader has vision, it refers to the ability to see the present as it is and formulate a future that grows out of and improves upon the present. A leader with vision is able to see into the future without being far-sighted and remain rooted in the present without being near-sighted.

Vision is a tremendously powerful force. It acts as a force within, compelling a leader to action. It is a target toward which a leader aims his or her energy and resources. Vision refers to the force within a leader that spreads like wildfire when properly communicated to others. It gives a leader purpose and the power of the vision, and the leader's devotion to it, works to inspire others who, sensing purpose and commitment, respond.
Equally important, a vision, when shared by a people, can keep an entire country moving forward in the face of difficulties, enabling and inspiring leaders and people alike. Moving toward the same goal, individuals work together rather than as disconnected people who have been brought together.

Vision also refers to an image of the future that can be discussed and perfected by those who have invested in it. It is the glue that binds individuals into a group with a common goal.
The vision must be logical, deductive, and plausible; at the same time it must be mind-stretching, creative, and able to capture the imaginations of individual contributors. This multiplicity of meanings does not weaken or obscure the concept; rather, it demonstrates how essential vision is to the success of a leader and to an organization.

Hence the role of a leader is not just to explain and clarify. Leaders "create meaning for people" by amassing large amounts of information, making sense of it, integrating it into a meaningful vision of the future, and communicating that vision so people want to participate in its realization. In this sense, visions have the power to lift people out of the monotony of daily living and put them into a new world full of opportunity and challenge.

It is that constant presence of the vision that keeps a leader moving despite various forces of resistance: fear of failure; emotional hardships, such as negative responses from superiors, peers, or anyone else; or 'real' hardships, such as practical difficulties or problems.
Since having a vision is of utmost importance, it behooves us therefore to know and understand the vision of each party and candidate if we are to make the right decision on Election Day. For the decision we make on that day will have serious repercussions for the future, not only for us but for our country and generations to come.

So as we go through the remainder of the campaign, let us be mindful of the vision of each of the aspiring leaders. Remember in a nutshell:-
A good vision excites. Visions of the future should excite people. It must be a future that everyone is longing to create. It is that excitement that can bring out the passion in people to commit to seeing that vision come to pass.
A good vision stretches. A good vision challenges people to rise beyond their comfort zone and develop as an individual to become better and stronger. A vision that does not stretch everyone's capacity means that it can already be achieved today and therefore it doesn't qualify as a vision.
A good vision is clear. While a good vision is pretty much imaginable, it must be clear enough that everyone can visualize what you are talking about. Vague visions are as good as not having a vision at all. It must be extremely specific; detailing everything that you see in your mind's eye.
A good vision includes everyone. It embraces everyone with a common agenda and it's a win-win for everyone, both young and old alike.
It is wise to remember, vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.

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