One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is moving from vision to execution as though it’s a linear process. The widely held assumption is they are two ends of a spectrum, and that vision is about planning, while execution is about action.

The truth is that vision requires action to be clarified and refined, and execution requires reflection to be effective.

It’s not linear

Most leadership experts subscribe to some variation of these five steps.

The model is logical. But in reality, most of us don’t live our lives that way, and most leaders are not rigorous about it, because life doesn’t wait while you are planning. No wonder so many leaders have little patience with the first steps.

Circular is better

When you think of these steps as circular, it gives a better sense of their ongoing and repeating nature.

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