Mission is Now, Vision is Next: A Guide to Credit Union Leadership

Hi there! Today, I want to talk to you about something powerful yet intangible – vision. Vision is the ability to see into the unseen, to project into the future, and to inspire others to come along on the journey. It’s not about where your credit union is today; it’s about where you could be tomorrow.

Let me ask you this: Have you ever felt stuck in the past or too focused on the present? It’s easy to get trapped there. But here’s the truth—if we dwell on the past or even the now, we’re certain to miss the future. Vision isn’t about reminiscing or reacting; it’s about imagining and leading.

Vision answers a different question than mission. Your credit union's mission is about the “what and the now” – it’s the work you’re doing today. Vision, on the other hand, is about the “where you want to go and what's next.” Think of it like this: mission is the sturdy platform, and vision is the rocket taking you to new heights.

But how do you make your credit union vision compelling enough that others not only see it but believe in it? Vision needs to ignite an emotion. It’s about painting a vivid picture of the future – something people can feel, something they can rally around. A strong vision connects deeply to values and aspirations. It’s not just “out there..." it’s meaningful and worth striving for.

Here’s how you make it compelling:

1. Clarity: Be specific. A vague vision is like a blurry photograph – it’s hard to get excited about.

1. Ambition: Make it bold. People want to be part of something larger than themselves.

1. Alignment: Link your vision to the deeper purpose and values of your team or your membership.

1. Storytelling: This is key. Don’t just describe your vision – illustrate it with stories, metaphors, and examples that evoke emotion. Think of a vision as a movie trailer for the future. It’s your job to make people say, “I want to be part of that!”

So, here’s my challenge to you: What is your vision? Can you articulate it clearly enough to get others on board? Can you make it compelling enough that they not only see it but feel it? 

The future is yours to imagine and create. Start dreaming. Start envisioning. Start leading. 

Thank you for watching and remember – ideas spark changes; actions ignite it.