Vision
Vision Moment
I have a friend in the middle of her pre-teen/teen years of parenting with her daughter. She recently shared with me that one of the most frustrating things for her daughter occurs when her vision is not met. When a project goes off course, her almost-teen will lament, “Mom, this is not what I envisioned!” She told me that her daughter has a keen awareness of what she wants something to be, and when it does not happen, she is learning to adjust her expectations to something that can be achieved.
I applaud this parenting approach of allowing our children to establish a vision and then adjust that vision when needed. I wonder how many adults have a vision for their relationships? What do you want your interactions with those in the professional world to be? How do you want to engage and interact with those in your personal life?
One thing is for sure; if we do not set expectations for our relationships, we will not meet them. If we allow our relationships to just happen, we will most likely become the victim of an unhealthy or toxic relationship. However, if we intentionally create a vision and adjust as needed, we can build strong, meaningful relationships with those in our lives.
Try establishing how you want your interactions and engagement with others to look, and then begin to communicate and carry out what you envisioned. When it goes off track, be willing to reestablish and set new guidelines for that relationship.
When we create a vision for our relationships, we can make a difference!
Dr. Larry Little
Eagle Center for Leadership
Vision gives people something to hold onto. It brings direction, clarity, and shared purpose to the work. At 3M Chem Ops, it helps teams stay focused and connected, especially when the pace is fast or conditions change. When you lead with vision, you help others see not just what to do, but why it matters.
You bring vision to life in the way you lead each day. It takes shape when you explain a shift priority; when you reinforce a standard during a walk-through; when you help someone see how their task supports a larger goal. These small moments build connection, purpose, and consistency. They remind people that their work matters and that the team is moving in the same direction.
Vision and Operational Discipline
Operational discipline depends on leaders who can bring clarity to the moment. When you communicate expectations, stay consistent in your message, and keep your team focused on shared goals, you strengthen the routines that support safety, quality, and performance.
Vision helps reduce confusion, improve alignment, and reinforce purpose. It creates a work environment where people know what is expected, how to respond, and why their actions matter. That stability helps teams stay reliable under pressure and engaged in continuous improvement.
“The greatest leaders mobilize others by coalescing people around a shared vision.”
At 3M Chem Ops, Vision shows up in four essential ways:
Communication – Speaking clearly, listening with purpose, and helping others understand what matters most.
Clarity – Making sure expectations are understood and priorities are aligned.
Connection – Building relationships that strengthen trust, belonging, and teamwork.
Consistency – Leading in a way that is stable, reliable, and rooted in shared values.
In this third module of The 3M Chem Ops Way, we begin with Communication. You’ll see how clarity in your message and presence in your delivery help bring vision to life in your daily leadership.
