SO YOU HAVE A VISION, NOW WHAT?
December 23, 2019

The ability to cast a compelling vision makes the difference between a good leader and a great leader. When a strong vision is communicated well, people will achieve far more than initially expected.


On April 12, 1861, the Confederate states had seceded from the Union, and all eyes were on the man in charge. A great country was in disarray and the future of America was uncertain. The Civil War had just begun, and despite the dismal nature of the moment, Abraham Lincoln made the choice to envision America not as it was, but as it could be.


So you have a vision, now what? Here are three things every leader must do when casting vision.


1. Describe why the vision is important.

As in the case of President Lincoln, sometimes it's obvious why the vision is necessary. However, sometimes it is hard to see why such drastic changes are needed. Radical measures should only follow strong vision, and a leader's job is to describe why such changes are just, necessary, or unavoidable. Simply put, the vision must be displayed as the necessary answer to a difficult problem.


Every monumental leader has a great vision, and every great vision has a just cause. In other words, your vision has to be important. If your cause isn't seen by others as worth their time, then people will never make your vision their own. You must create urgency in the hearts and minds of people. Great visions will reproduce in other people, but first you have to tell them why it should.


2. Describe the difficulty of the vision.

Every world-changing vision is difficult to reach. For example, reuniting a country and ending slavery has never been perceived as a walk in the park. Difficulty can mean several things, but as a leader your message needs to promote the idea that because something is difficult it is also worthwhile. Despite the difficulty, the bottom line is that people want to be a part of something that gives them meaning and purpose.


When leaders choose to be transparent about the difficulty of the road ahead, it allows people to make a personal decision. Are they on or off the team? Even amidst the difficult challenge of a worthy vision, the people that stay committed to your just cause are now inspired to take action.


In spite of all of this, always remember that difficult still means possible. Only impossible means impossible.


3. Express the confidence that the vision will become reality.

Abraham Lincoln had to first "see" a country reunited without actually seeing it. He had to believe that it could happen before it would happen. Not only did he have to believe it himself, but he had to inspire and empower a country to feel that they were capable of victory. Lincoln had to inspire the Union to believe that they were ready for the challenge, and remind the people of the American spirit within them.

As a leader, once you know the difficulty of the vision and the sacrifice necessary to accomplish it, the time comes for you to decide that the vision can and will be done. Once you do that, you must convince others to live the same way.



This is the part of the process when you fight the war, give a lot of famous speeches, and make a lot of important decisions. In other words, you now live life on a mission. You are intentional , committed, and driven. Every decision is now made with the end goal in mind, and no matter how hard things become you must press on toward the goal.

 

Every great vision is a dream of a better world. What vision do you find yourself living in now? It might be yours, or it may have been created by somebody else. Either way, it starts with you making the decision to invest your life fully into it. Whether you are a vision creator or a vision catcher, it doesn't matter. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Faith-Driven Entrepreneurs as Agents of Change

By Elizabeth Rivas • March 14, 2023
Faith-driven entrepreneurs, like our Branches Worldwide Leaders, can play a significant role in positively impacting their communities through their businesses. These individuals have a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in the world, which can drive them to create innovative solutions to community problems and to lead with integrity and compassion. One way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by creating jobs and economic opportunities (like AJ in South Africa ). By starting and growing successful businesses, they can provide employment for local residents and stimulate economic growth. This can help to reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of the community. Additionally, faith-driven entrepreneurs may choose to pay fair wages and provide good working conditions, which can help to improve the lives of their employees and their families. Another way faith-driven entrepreneurs can change their communities is by addressing social issues through their businesses. For example, they may choose to start a non-profit organization that provides services to those in need, as Alice has done for girls and women in Kenya. Such entrepreneurs may also choose to incorporate social and environmental responsibility into their for-profit business models. This can include implementing sustainable practices, fair trade policies and supporting local charities, which can help to improve the lives of people in their communities. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as role models for others in their communities, particularly for young people. By demonstrating the importance of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, they can inspire others to pursue their own business dreams and to strive for success in their own lives. Furthermore, their demonstration of faith in action through their businesses can serve as a powerful example of how one can live out one's values and beliefs in the world. Faith-driven entrepreneurs can also serve as leaders in their communities. They use their influence and resources to bring about positive change through various initiatives, such as supporting local schools, promoting environmental conservation, and working to improve the overall quality of life for their community members. Our Leader, David , is doing exactly this in his international school in India. Our Branches Worldwide Leaders are proving the multitude of positive effects that faith-driven entrepreneurs can have in their communities. From providing direct assistance through jobs or providing services to those in need to being a source of inspiration for others, these entrepreneurs are creating change that will reverberate across geography and generations. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .

Merging Business Mentorship and Christian Mentorship

By Elizabeth Rivas • January 30, 2023
Business mentorship can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow and succeed in their careers. A business mentor is an experienced individual who can provide guidance, support, and advice to help you navigate the often complex and unpredictable world of business. Meanwhile, Christian mentorship is a type of mentorship that involves a Christian mentor providing guidance, support, and advice to a mentee, with a focus on spiritual and moral development. Branches Worldwide Mentors serve as both business and Christian Mentors. We believe that faith and business can not only coexist, but that they can mutually strengthen each other. Our Mentors not only guide our Leaders in pragmatic elements of business, but also in their spiritual journeys. One of the key benefits of business mentorship is the opportunity to learn from someone who has first-hand knowledge of the field. Our Mentors share their own experiences, insights, and lessons learned, helping our Leaders avoid common pitfalls and to make better decisions. This can be especially useful for those who are just starting out in their career, as they may not have the same level of experience or knowledge as more seasoned professionals. Our Mentors also serve as role models, offering guidance and support as the Leader navigates their own faith journey. They may provide biblical teaching and encouragement, as well as offer practical advice and application of the scriptures. Another benefit of merging Christian and business mentorship is the opportunity to network and build professional relationships with other entrepreneurs of faith. Mentors can introduce Leaders to other like-minded industry professionals, giving Leaders the chance to expand their network and strengthen their spiritual development. Overall, mentorship is an invaluable resource for Christians looking to grow in their faith and navigate the challenges of life and business. We at Branches Worldwide are honored to work with a number of such individuals. At Branches Worldwide , we exist to connect and empower a global network of high-impact entrepreneurs who use their businesses as a means of transforming their communities. We believe every visionary leader should have the resources and relationships to help them impact their community. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Leader , Mentor , or Donor .
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