Vision, consistency in leadership

I’ll never forget one particular afternoon in council chambers. We were gathered around the horseshoe—where we sit to debate and make laws for our city. A controversial topic was on the table. Tensions were high. Opinions clashed like cymbals. Each councillor was passionate, pulling in a different direction.

Then the mayor asked to speak. His words shifted the entire room. He didn’t start with data or statistics. He didn’t try to overpower the arguments. Instead, he reminded us of our purpose—the mission statement we had created together for our city. He reminded us of our “why”: to build a city where everyone belongs.

He painted that vision again, piece by piece. What would it mean for newcomers? For children? For businesses? For the elderly? Suddenly, the heated debate cooled. We weren’t just politicians fighting for our corners—we were leaders with a shared purpose, entrusted with guiding our community toward a clear destination.

And when it was time to vote, the decision felt less like a tug-of-war and more like a collective step forward.

That’s the power of Purpose and Vision. They anchor us when the waters get rough. They align us when perspectives differ. They remind us why we’re here and where we’re going.

Here’s the truth: if you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there—and you’ll arrive late, broke, and confused. Purpose is the compass; vision is the destination. Without them, departments become glorified filing cabinets—busy but directionless. With them, leaders inspire action, align energy, and build legacies.

Why Vision Matters

John Maxwell once said, “A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”

That’s the point: vision isn’t about your title, it’s about your fire. Vision is a picture of the future that pulls people forward. It’s the reason your team wakes up and chooses to follow you, even when the road is tough.

Sam Adeyemi adds another layer: “Vision is being able to see people, places, and things not just the way they are, but the way they could be.”

That’s leadership. Seeing beyond the fog of today. Seeing through the noise of obstacles. Seeing what others cannot—and then helping them see it too.

When Singapore became independent in 1965, it was a tiny, resource-poor island with almost no hope. But Lee Kuan Yew had a bold vision: transform Singapore into a global economic powerhouse. He made English the working language, created a merit-based civil service, and attracted international investment. By 1990, Singapore’s GDP per capita had grown in leaps and bounds!

It wasn’t magic. It was vision. It was clear, consistent, and relentless.

Let’s move from vision to purpose. If vision tells you where you’re going, purpose tells you why you’re going there.

Simon Sinek said it best: “People don’t buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it.”

Purpose is the heartbeat of leadership. It grounds you in the middle of chaos. It reminds your team why the sacrifices matter, why the late nights count, why the difficult conversations are worth it.

Without purpose, even the best vision feels hollow. Purpose is what gives meaning to the destination.

Here’s how leaders—whether in government, business, or community—can get intentional about purpose and vision:

1. Ask “Why are we doing this?”

Don’t settle for surface answers like “to meet KPIs.” Dig deep. Find the soul of your mission.

2. Create something that empowers.

Vision should energize your team, not exhaust them. It should feel like a rally cry, not another checkbox.

3. Align with the bigger picture.

In our city, we have a 30-year strategic plan. It involves businesses, community leaders, and residents. We’re not waiting for the future to happen—we’re building it together. That’s vision alignment.

4. Tell stories.

People follow narratives, not spreadsheets. Share stories that embody your vision—of citizens whose lives improved, of teams who made breakthroughs, of progress that inspires.

5. Repeat your “why.”

Don’t assume people remember. Say it again. And again. Until your team can say it even when you’re not in the room.

Here’s the bottom line: without vision and purpose, you’re just managing. With them, you’re leading.

Think about it: when the mayor reminded us of our mission—to create a city where everyone belongs—it wasn’t just words. It was a compass. It realigned us, lifted us above our disagreements, and pulled us toward a shared future.

And that’s the heart of the Productivity Governance Model. Every other key—whether it’s project management discipline, process improvement, or partnership building—depends on having a clear purpose and vision first. Get this wrong, and everything else becomes damage control. Get it right, and you create momentum that outlives you.

So whether you’re leading a city, a department, a company, or even a small local team—never forget this:

• Vision tells you where you’re going.

• Purpose tells you why you’re going there.

And when people see the “where” and feel the “why,” they’ll run with you.

Leaders who design with vision and purpose don’t just manage the present—they shape the future.

So, here’s my challenge: take time this week to write down your “why” and your “where.” Share it with your team. Tell a story about it. Repeat it often. Because when you lead with vision and purpose, you don’t just build projects—you build people. And when you build people, you build legacies.

• Prof. Owodunni is the City Councillor in Kitchener, Canada