Demystifying Vision

Understand how vision influences strategy and sparks change A vision emphasizes the tension between the present and what is possible. Whether your goal is a new strategy, new funding, or new hires, establishing a North Star shows people why change is needed and allows them to envision a better state. But imagining that better state is only the first step. For people to trust your reasoning and feel a sense of urgency to make the vision a reality, you must be able to communicate it clearly and persuasively. This design leadership training takes a deep dive into the Vision section of the Design Leadership Skill Wheel and is intended for all levels and all disciplines. Perhaps you’re a senior individual contributor (IC) who wants to influence strategy, or a manager already responsible for setting vision and initiating change. This workshop helps you distinguish between dream, vision, strategy, and roadmap, and includes discussion of what it means to be visionary. By examining successful proposals, you’ll learn how to advocate for change by being clear about the context and challenge, and by painting a picture of the better experiences that are possible. You’ll leave with a framework for communicating a design vision that connects with business stakeholders. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How visions align and motivate toward a goal Distinguish and leverage dream, vision, strategy and roadmap Three aspects of being a visionary leader How visions show up in different ways at different levels A framework for communicating your vision clearly and compellingly WHO IT’S FOR Great for any level seeking to initiate change or impact strategy. Applicable to individual contributors and leaders in brand design, product design, research, and content strategy in startups or tech. All industries and backgrounds welcome.