The first thing most people do when they here the word ”vision” in a business context is yawn. that’s because most visions are vague, unclear, and, frankly, nothing to get excited about. well-designed visions should be rallying cries for action, invention, and innovation.
1. Ask the customer
Look at your vision from a fresh perspective with new insights. One way to do that is to ask some of your customers to help you with the 5-bold steps vision canvas. What do they expect you to do? What is important for them? You’ll be amazed how honored customers are when you invite them to think about your future!
2. vISION MOOD BOARD
Collect a bunch of magazines and pass out scissors and glue to everyone on your team. What would happen if you would make a mood board about your vision? You can use the structure of the 5-bold steps vision canvas (vision statement in the middle, the themes around it, underneath the 5 steps + the values). Excellent conversation material and a beautiful “painting” of the first steps towards your future vision.
3. vISION MAGAZINE (COVER STORY)
Have your team work on a vision magazine. Collect what people think. What is their vision? What themes surface? Design a cover that reflects your future: the big impact you will have had on the world. Publish and distribute the magazine throughout your company. The best fire starter ever. (See also “cover story canvas” on page X).
4. START WITH STATEMENTS AND THEMES
Another way of working with the 5 Bold Steps Vision Canvas is starting with the vision statement already filled out, including the supporting themes. The focus of the teams can be shifted to an in-depth exploration of the themes. Each team also needs to define the 5 bold steps for themselves. If you have the Design a Better Business book, check page 60 to read about the ING example with this approach.
5. START FROM SCRATCH
One way of going at it is to give your teams a blank canvas and see what they come up with. Get together and discuss and sync the canvases. This is a great way to get additional insights and design a better vision.
6. SHARE YOUR VISION (VISUALLY)
The five bold steps canvas is a great blueprint for a concise story on stage or a visual representation. ING used the 5 bold steps as the foundation for what they communicate to their clients. See the ING case on page 60 of Design A Better Business, or read the blog.
The way to best build up your story: start with the vision statement; Show how it is substantiated by the vision themes (rank them); Explain how each theme will show up. Finish with the steps you need to make to get there.