I am a firm believer that there is a distinct difference between vision and sight. Sight means you can see what’s in front of or around you. You may need glasses but you can still technically see and don’t require a Seeing Eye dog or a cane to get around. However, just because you can see does not mean you have vision. Very few leaders are actual visionaries. Many leaders aren’t really leaders at all, but managers masquerading as leaders. A manager’s job is to keep everything the same and merely oversee it. A leader’s job is to actually take his or her organization on a journey to another destination, a better place. When you are done leading your organization the end result should be a much better organization.

Vision is totally different than sight. In fact, you can be totally blind and still have great vision. I’m sure you know people who have sight but see things differently than you do. Some people see trouble, they disappointment, or a bad situation; they see what’s wrong with people and situations and not what’s right with people. While some people see a problem, visionaries see tremendous opportunity.

A leader’s job is to provide vision to their organization, not based on what it is today, but what it will become in the future. Visionary leadership is extremely important—no one wants to work with no real purpose. A true leader needs to provide them with that. Visionary leadership should help improve employee engagement, build momentum, and position you as an effective leader who can overcome any and all competition. You must have a great vision for your organization in order to be considered a real leader.