A common vision embraces what is important.  Therefore, taking the time to create a vision, or focus, is important because it allows the group to build a shared meaning and collective sense of what is important to the group and why. 

Has your group allowed adequate time to build a common vision?

• Have you allowed time on an on-going basis?  A futuristic vision is always evolving!
• Do you design and use processes that allow people to speak from the heart?
• Have you been successful in co-creating the vision throughout the group?

Facilitating a common vision is a discipline.  It is intentional.  It allows for the thoughts and ideas of the individual members of the group to “gel” together into a common idea or focus.  When this happens, the vision is thought to be genuine.  When the group feels that the vision reflects their desires and motivations, it will be deeply shared and advocated for by the members of the group.  Questions to help the group discuss and come to consensus about the product or vision for their work together include:

• What are we “building”?
• What do we want to accomplish?
• What will it look like if we are successful?

It may be helpful to remind yourself that a common vision:

• Is deeply rooted in a sense of purpose that expresses the group’s reason for existence.Is a collective sense of what is important and why.
• Is not simply an idea or statement.  It is a force that drives people’s motivation and it is important to them.
• Needs to be consistent with the values group members live by day-to-day.

Reference:  Twenty Things Everyone Needs to Know When Serving on a Committee, Rasmussen and Liepold, University of Minnesota Extension, 2007.
Adapted from Facilitation Resources:  Volume 3 – Getting Focused:  Vision/Mission/Goals.  Anderson, M. et al, University of Minnesota Extension, 2001.