A compelling vision is invaluable because it is:

• Motivating
• Exciting
• Inspiring
• Attractive to Talent
• Attractive to Strategic Partners
• Foundational for Big Things
• Holds Promise
• Sets Direction

And possibly many other things that could be added to the list.  However, a vision is just that, a vision of the future.  It is not reality.  Not yet anyway.  The reality is that any compelling vision is compelling because it is uniquely different from the current state.  It is much, much better!

The reality is also that it is impossible to make big things happen and advance from now to a state that is much, much better without bold actions.  There is risk involved.  There is uncertainty with those bold actions.  There will be people that believe enough in the vision to take the risks.  There will be people that believe enough in the vision to agree with the visionary, reinforcing their resolve.

There will be a greater number that cannot see it.  There will be a greater number of people that will be risk averse, not believing the risks worth the potential reward.  There will be a greater number of people that voice their opposition and discourage resolve.

Thus, the true test of the visionary is not in fact their ability to craft a compelling vision, but their fortitude to take the right risks and put in all the hard work to make that much, much better future state become reality.