7 Business Habits That Drive High Performance

Imagine waking up every morning drawn by a magnetic force that pulls you toward a brighter future — this is the essence of an inspiring vision. It’s not just a statement on a wall but the heartbeat of an organization, giving meaning and direction to every task. An inspiring vision connects with the heart, not just the mind, igniting passion and purpose among employees. This emotional connection fuels discretionary effort, the extra energy people invest beyond their job descriptions, which is the lifeblood of high performance.

Consider the stark contrast between organizations where only 36% of employees understand their company's strategies versus those where nearly 70% do. In the former, confusion reigns, efforts scatter, and potential is squandered. In the latter, clarity aligns every action like goal posts on a field, guiding players toward a common objective.

Strategies act as the goal posts that bring the vision to life. Without them, employees are like players without a field, unsure where to aim. Effective leaders distill complex strategies into a single page, making them accessible and memorable. They invest in robust internal communication, ensuring that every team member can articulate how their role contributes to the bigger picture.

But vision and strategy alone are not enough. They must be shared, not imposed. When leaders engage employees in crafting the vision, the sense of ownership deepens. This shared vision becomes a way of life, referenced in decisions, celebrated in achievements, and a source of resilience during tough times.

Imagine a company with a vision to become a global leader. Despite hurdles and setbacks, the leadership team’s unwavering commitment to this vision kept employees focused and motivated. They navigated challenges not as isolated struggles but as shared steps toward their magnetic goal.

As we close this reflection on vision and strategy, remember that these foundations empower every other habit that drives high performance. They set the stage for developing people, recognizing contributions, and adapting to customers' needs. Let us now embark on exploring how nurturing and developing your people turbo-charges this foundation.