What is a Leader’s Vision?
A leader’s vision isn’t just a dream or a directive handed down to a team. It is a structured way of thinking that helps leaders solve problems effectively, drive long-term strategy, and inspire their teams.
Today, I want to break down a leader’s vision into three essential perspectives:
- The Ant View – Solving urgent issues on the spot.
- The Lion View – Preventing recurring problems and improving processes.
- The Eagle View – Implementing long-term solutions that drive sustainable success.
A great leader doesn’t just use one perspective—they master all three.
1. The Ant View: Immediate Problem-Solving
Ants operate on the ground level, focusing on what needs to be done right now. Leaders using the Ant View are in crisis mode, handling problems as they arise.
Example: Handling a School Bus Complaint
Imagine an employee tells their leader:
“A parent is very unhappy with our school bus service.”
A leader with the Ant View might respond:
“Just refund them and apologize.”
✅ Does it solve the problem? Yes, for that one incident.
❌ Does it prevent future issues? No, because the same complaint could happen again.
This approach ensures short-term resolution, but without further action, the same issues will keep resurfacing.
2. The Lion View: Strengthening Systems to Prevent Recurring Problems
The lion is the king of the jungle—strong, tactical, and proactive. Leaders using the Lion View don’t just react; they take charge and create systems to prevent problems from happening again.
Example: Proactively Preventing School Bus Complaints
If school bus service issues are a recurring concern, a leader with the Lion View might:
- Assign a bus monitor to oversee student behavior and ensure smooth operations.
- Set up a real-time tracking system so parents can monitor the bus location.
- Implement a feedback system where parents can report concerns before they escalate.
- Ensure drivers are trained in both safety and customer service.
Instead of just reacting to problems, the Lion View ensures that similar issues don’t happen again by setting up stronger, more effective systems.
3. The Eagle View: Long-Term, Transformational Leadership
Eagles soar high above, seeing the bigger picture. The Eagle View is about long-term impact, ensuring that systems, strategies, and innovations lead to sustainable success.
Example: Transforming the School Bus Experience
A leader with an Eagle View might ask:
“How do we revolutionize the school bus experience so that parents feel completely at ease?”
Possible solutions:
- VIP school bus service for premium convenience.
- GPS & app integration for real-time updates and automated notifications.
- Onboard safety cameras to enhance security and build parent trust.
- Comfort upgrades like better seating, air-conditioning, or entertainment options.
This approach doesn’t just address the issue—it redefines the entire experience, ensuring that similar problems don’t just disappear temporarily but are eradicated through innovation.
Using the Three Perspectives at the Right Time
A good leader applies different perspectives based on the situation. A great leader knows when to use them.
Scenario: A School Bus Breakdown
Imagine a leader saying:
“We need to purchase new high-tech buses.”
✅ Long-term solution? Yes.
❌ Relevant in the moment? No—the bus is already broken down, and students are stranded!
In crisis situations, the Ant View is necessary:
“Send a backup bus and notify parents immediately.”
Once the crisis is handled, the Lion View comes in:
“How do we create a better maintenance and communication system?”
Finally, the Eagle View follows:
“How do we upgrade our fleet to ensure top-tier transportation for the next decade?”
This is why great leaders shift between perspectives fluidly—addressing urgent needs, improving processes, and creating long-term impact.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Multi-Layered Vision
Most leaders focus on solving immediate problems. However, the best leaders use all three perspectives strategically:
Ant View – Solve the problem now.
Lion View – Prevent the same problem from happening again.
Eagle View – Innovate for long-term excellence.
A true leader understands when to use each approach. They assess their team’s capabilities and the situation before deciding whether to act as an ant (immediate response), lion (tactical action), or eagle (visionary planning).
So, the next time a problem arises, ask yourself:
Am I just solving this for now? (Ant View)
Am I improving the system for tomorrow? (Lion View)
Am I creating a long-term solution for the future? (Eagle View)
Master these three perspectives, and you’ll lead not just for today, but for a lasting impact.
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