Action and vision must work together
In any work experience, there are inevitably the “ideas people” and those who are “in the weeds.” In my experience, they tend to drive each other crazy – and yet, both are essential to leadership. I’ve come across parishes with a bold vision to accomplish more than Jesus did in his three years of public ministry without being able to identify a single step. I’ve also encountered numerous ministries where every leader has their own competing plans and agendas without a unified vision. Action and vision are like peanut butter and jelly – they need each other to work. How do we avoid falling into the trap of a vision with no action or action with no vision? Here are three tips:
In any work experience, there are inevitably the “ideas people” and those who are “in the weeds.” In my experience, they tend to drive each other crazy – and yet, both are essential to leadership. I’ve come across parishes with a bold vision to accomplish more than Jesus did in his three years of public ministry without being able to identify a single step. I’ve also encountered numerous ministries where every leader has their own competing plans and agendas without a unified vision. Action and vision are like peanut butter and jelly – they need each other to work. How do we avoid falling into the trap of a vision with no action or action with no vision? Here are three tips:
Keep the vision simple and focused on the destination
If your vision takes longer to explain than reciting the creed, it’s definitely too complicated. A good vision is simple, memorable and, especially for a ministry, rooted in the Gospel: “To make disciples.” This is the command of the Lord. It might sound too simplistic, but remember, while simple is often the hardest, it can also be most effective. A simple vision can become a great filter for discerning what actions, programs and investments make sense or how to strengthen and better align existing efforts.
Start small, but start
The hardest part of any big idea is the first step. Often the temptation is to want to plan the next five years in painful detail before getting started. Instead of waiting until you’ve figured everything out, pick one small, concrete action and take it. Want to build a culture of welcome? Start with a greeter ministry for one Mass. Dreaming of better youth engagement? Host one pizza night with teens. Small wins build momentum as long as you consistently explain and connect them back to the vision.
Communicate. Then communicate again
People can’t follow a vision they don’t understand. Whether it’s volunteers, staff or the wider parish, make sure you create opportunities for everyone to understand the “why” behind the effort. Communicate the vision at the beginning, middle and end of any effort. And when you think you’ve communicated enough, you’re not even close.
The Church doesn’t need more big ideas or more details: It needs more disciples who seek to understand where the Lord is calling them to serve and are courageous enough to take the first step without any guarantees, except for the most important promise he offered:
“I am with you always.”
Dan Cellucci is the CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute.
