Ever hear the phrase that the result is the most important thing and there are many routes to get there? The typical lesson here is to not sweat the small stuff, because people can get equally good results doing things in a variety of ways. This is generally true. However, have you ever felt like once a vision was laid out and a direct report set out toward the result they walked past the sports car, ignoring the fact they could take it out on the interstate to get to the destination quickly only to load into the covered wagon pulled by a horse with a bad leg?

As a visionary leader it is sometimes important to challenge the method of getting there as well as lay out the vision. The best way to do this is provide some basic constraints or expectations to accompany the destination portion of the vision. Placing an expected completion date on the vision helps the direct report know at which speed they need to proceed. Then, if their idea for implementation does not meet that rate, it leads easily into a conversation about alternative ideas to achieve the objective.

It may also be critical as the leader to remove obstacles and create the environment for success. Assume that the direct report does indeed choose the right method (the sports car) but if they are required to drive it on a poorly maintained dirt road they cannot achieve the speed. There are many environmental constraints that can get in the way of the main objective. However, as the leader you are ultimately responsible for the culture you create, so maybe its time to provide some pavement.