7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team
- Even in the midst of turmoil, keep the team focused on goals and strategy.
- Involve the team in setting and evolving the team’s vision and making progress toward it.
Beyond the Roadmap: Why Clear Vision is the IT Leader’s Most Critical Deliverable
As IT leaders, we often focus on the what: the project backlogs, the velocity targets, and the system uptime. But a truly impactful leader understands that their most critical deliverable is the why and the where: a clear vision and cohesive strategy for the entire team.
A team without a vision is merely a collection of skilled workers completing tasks. A team unified by a clear vision becomes a powerful, focused engine. It reduces friction, accelerates decision-making, and ensures that every sprint, project, and hire moves the organization in the right direction. It moves the team beyond roadmaps to true purpose.
So, how do we craft and communicate a vision that transforms daily effort into strategic momentum? It starts with intentional leadership and consistent dialogue.
Step 1: Defining the “North Star” Vision
The vision must be aspirational, understandable, and tied directly to the organization’s mission. It’s the team’s “North Star.” As a leader, you must be the one to articulate this destination, but you must also involve the team in setting and evolving the team’s vision to ensure buy-in and make progress towards it.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself (as the leader):
- “If our team succeeds beyond our wildest dreams in five years, what specific business impact are we enabling?” (This grounds the vision in measurable results.)
- “How does our work fundamentally change the way the business operates?” (Focuses on transformation, not just maintenance.)
- “Can I explain our core strategy to a non-technical stakeholder in under 60 seconds?” (Tests clarity and simplicity.)
step 2: The “Why Are We Here?” Conversation
Start by asking the foundational questions. A great vision isn’t something you dictate; it’s something you build together. In a team meeting, lead a discussion to uncover the team’s collective purpose beyond their job descriptions.
Key Questions to Ask:
- “In a perfect world, what would we be known for in a year? What is the impact we want to have?” (This helps define the desired future state.)
- “What problem are we uniquely positioned to solve for our customers or the business?” (Connects the team’s work to a broader, meaningful challenge.)
- “If we succeed wildly, what does that look like? How does our work change the way things are done?” (Encourages big-picture, ambitious thinking.)
- “What are the non-negotiables? What are the core values that must guide our work as a team?” (Establishes a shared ethical and cultural framework.)
step 3: Translating Strategy into Team Purpose
A strategy is the high-level plan; purpose is the individual’s role in executing that plan. Employees thrive when they see the line connecting their daily tasks to the grand vision.
Key Questions to Ask Your Team:
- “When you look at our top three strategic priorities this quarter, where do you see your direct impact?” (Forces alignment between individual work and strategy.)
- “If you had to describe our team’s mission to a new hire, what single sentence would you use?” (Checks for shared understanding and narrative consistency.)
- “What is the biggest roadblock currently preventing us from executing our vision, and what role can you play in removing it?” (Encourages proactive problem-solving and ownership.)
step 4: Ensuring Consistency and Adaptability
A vision isn’t a poster on the wall; it’s a living document, and the core why should be consistent. Leaders must consistently reinforce the vision and strategy, connecting daily tasks back to the larger goal. This isn’t about repeating the same words; it’s about showing how each piece of work contributes to the grand design. This ongoing communication ensures the team remains agile and aligned.
Key Questions to Ask During Check-ins or Retrospectives:
- “Are our current project priorities still the best way to achieve our long-term vision?” (Promotes continuous strategic review.)
- “Where has our focus shifted recently, and how can we communicate this change to avoid confusion?” (Addresses agility and change management.)
- “How has the market (or internal environment) changed, and how should that inform our next strategic moves?” (Links internal actions to external realities.)
The Leader’s Legacy
Having a clear vision is the ultimate demonstration of strategic leadership. When an executive articulates the future and provides a map for getting there, they aren’t just assigning tasks—they are granting purpose. This clarity reduces noise, focuses effort, and ultimately drives the high-performance culture required to thrive in modern technology.