The Difference between Vision and Goals

Sometimes people confuse goals and visions. One way to distinguish between the two is to ask, “What’s next?” A goal, once reached, is finished. A vision, on the other hand, offers clear direction for future activity—what you should do next. A vision continues to act as a beacon, guiding you in setting new goals once current ones have been achieved.

A vision

Helps you understand what business you're really in
Provides guidelines that help you make daily decisions
Provides a picture of the desired future that you can actually see
Is enduring
Is about being "great"—not just about beating the competition
Is inspiring—not expressed solely in numbers
Touches the hearts and spirits of everyone
Helps each person see how he or she can contribute

A vision is a picture of the end result; Goals are the intermediate milestones you pass on your way toward your vision. They are the signposts that let you know you are moving in the right direction.

Getting Started

Without a shared vision, how can you be sure that the individual goals and objectives being set for the coming year are building toward larger overall success? Setting a compelling vision is the first step in moving together toward greater achievement on an individual, team, or organizational level.

December is a great time for setting a vision that will provide the foundation for powerful goals at all levels. As you look at goal setting and objectives for the coming year, don’t forget to look at the role that strategic vision plays in supercharging this planning.

The Ken Blanchard Companies® is a global leader in providing sustainable, commonsense leadership, team, and organizational training and development solutions. For over 25 years, we have helped companies improve their performance, productivity, and bottom-line results.
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