Don’t Lead in the Dark: How Vision and Culture Outperform Strategy

Are You Leading Your Team… or Just Walking Alone in the Dark? 🌑

If your organization is stuck firefighting and waiting for director approvals, you’re living in chaos—not clarity. This is what I call “director dependence”—the silent killer of vision and progress.

Some leaders cling to the same path, never wanting to drift, adapt, or try something new. But here’s a truth I’ve learned:
If you don’t know where you’re going, or how to get there, how do you expect others to follow?

One day, there I was—sitting in a cold, dark room, the silence pressing in. The weight of responsibility hung heavy; I felt stuck, more alone than ever. I stared into the void, letting my mind wander through all the things we weren’t getting right.

Then, it hit me—like watching a movie play out in my mind. Suddenly, I saw an entire vision for the future of our operation, and a step-by-step blueprint for how to get there.

My heart pounded with excitement, but also with doubt. Was this the answer, or just another idea that would land with a thud?

The next morning, I walked into our staff meeting—nervous, but hopeful. I laid out my vision, every detail flowing from the excitement of discovery. When I finished, the room was silent. I felt exposed. Was this too much change? Had I made a mistake bringing this to the team?

Then, one person broke the silence: “I love it. Let’s go.” Another nodded, and then another. But a few looked confused, even scared. I realized: moving forward would mean nothing unless everyone had a chance to shape this vision and own it.

I challenged the team: “We have one week to poke holes in this idea, add your perspective, and bring your own vision to the table. I’ll write everything on the board, and we’ll build our future together.”

A week later, we gathered, armed with ideas, concerns, solutions, and dreams. Piece by piece, we pulled apart my original plan, rebuilt sections, added innovations, and ultimately created a new vision—one that truly belonged to us all.

Watching our staff consider their ideas, community needs, budget realities, and city council goals—it was magic. The energy and engagement were unlike anything I’d seen before.

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The Framework: The Vision Integration Loop (7A’s) 🔄✨

This process wasn’t a one-time event. It became the engine of our organization.
I’ve now coined it as the Vision Integration Loop (7A’s):

1️⃣ Assess Reality – 🧐

Use the 6 Ps Framework (DM me if you want this framework) + gather staff/community input

2️⃣ Aspire Outcomes – 🚀

Shape a 3–5-year future for all stakeholders

3️⃣ Align Priorities – 🎯

Identify 3–5 initiatives with one-word themes

4️⃣ Articulate Story – 📖

Build narrative and storytelling for the future

5️⃣ Activate Culture – 🔁

Set daily/weekly cadences for team meetings and projects

6️⃣ Architect Systems – 🏗️

Develop SOPs, scorecards, and schedules

7️⃣ Audit & Amplify – 📊📢

Set metrics, celebrate wins, and keep vision alive

This isn’t just a checklist—it’s a culture-building, empowerment-driving loop designed to move teams from director dependence to sustainable, community-owned success.

What I learned is simple, but game-changing:
Culture is the engine that turns vision into reality.

Empowered teams outlast even the best strategies. When everyone is included, not only do we create better plans, but we serve our communities in a deeper, more consistent way.

Culture > Strategy. Every time.

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Take Action 🚦

If you and your team want to build a vision that lasts—one that outlives the director and empowers every member—you’re not alone. Most organizations struggle to break free from chaos, overwhelm and dependency.

Let’s build your Vision Integration Loop together. Visit www.jasonchadock.com and let’s get started.