Every leadership team starts with a vision, an idea of what their company could become. But over time, as complexity increases and more people join the journey, that original vision often gets diluted, misunderstood, or forgotten.
That’s why gaining clarity and alignment is so important.
The Vision/Traction Organizer (V/TO) gives leadership teams a framework to clarify their vision and bring it front and center—so it can inspire, unite, and drive meaningful action.
One of the most critical aspects of the V/TO is the 10-Year Target. While many companies start by choosing a revenue number, we’ve seen that the most powerful visions go deeper. They speak to purpose. They speak to impact.
And when that long-term target truly resonates, it becomes a rallying cry for the entire organization.
When the Vision Isn’t Shared BY ALL, the Wheels Come Off
In a recent post, EOS Worldwide Visionary Mark O’Donnell said: “Growing a business is tough. What used to work won’t get you to the next level. And the more people you add, the harder it gets to keep everyone aligned.”
That’s why the Vision Component is so essential. Without a crystal-clear vision Shared By All, it doesn’t matter how strong your product is or how hard your team works. Eventually, the disconnect slows you down.
A Case in Point
During a recent Annual Planning Session, I worked with a leadership team whose 10-Year Target, a bold revenue goal, was now just three years away. It had served them well.
But as we revisited the V/TO, I asked the foundational EOS question:
“Is this still the right long-term target?”
That opened the door to an eye-opening realization: their Core Focus had always been impact-driven, but their long-term target didn’t reflect that. So, they shifted. Their new 10-Year Target wasn’t a dollar amount but the number of lives transformed through their work.
The result was energy, clarity, and unity. Everyone, from leadership to the front lines, could now connect their daily work to a higher purpose. And that alignment drives execution.
If You Think You’re Aligned—Check the Vision/Traction Organizer
It’s one thing for the Visionary or Integrator to know the direction. But if it’s not Shared By All, it’s not real.
When working through the 8 Questions on the Vision side of the V/TO, especially the 10-Year Target, ask yourself:
- What impact would make my people proud 10 years from now?
- What lights my team up beyond financials?
- If we weren’t chasing dollars, what would we be chasing?
These questions often unlock purpose, passion, and performance.
Related Reading: Getting Visionaries and Integrators on the Same Page
Bring the Vision to Life: Make It Stick Beyond the Leadership Team
Once your team has clarity and alignment around the 10-Year Target, the next step is to make sure it becomes Shared By All.
A vision that lives in a document isn’t enough. A vision that lives in your people? That’s the goal.
Here are five simple ways to make the vision stick:
- Tell Stories That Inspire
People don’t connect to spreadsheets; they connect to stories. Share why your company exists, who you serve, and how you’re making a difference. Real customer impact stories are gold. - Make It Visible
Out of sight, out of mind. Post your 10-Year Target on walls, screensavers, dashboards, and meeting decks. Visibility drives recall. - Get the Team Involved
Ask team members what success looks like to them. When people feel heard and see their input reflected, they take ownership of the vision. - Make It Personal
During 1-on-1 conversations, help each employee see how their seat connects to the bigger picture. When people understand how their work contributes, motivation increases. - Talk About It, A Lot
Consistent repetition breeds retention. Kick off meetings with the vision, celebrate wins tied to it, and create rituals around it. If it’s important, it needs to be talked about often.
Related LinkedIn Post: How to Communicate Your Vision to Your Team
The Payoff: Traction Follows Vision
A shared vision doesn’t just create alignment; it fuels execution.
People don’t rally around spreadsheets. They rally around purpose. When companies focus on impact over income, income usually follows.
READY TO CLARIFY YOUR Vision?
If you’re looking to get everyone on your team aligned, energized, and focused on a shared purpose, EOS can help. The Vision/Traction Organizer is just one part of the proven EOS Model, used by more than 170,000 companies worldwide.
