MGT 506 Module 5 Case

Visionary Leadership

Visionary leaders are the builders of a new dawn, working with imagination, insight, and boldness. They present a challenge that calls forth the best in people and brings them together around a shared sense of purpose. There are three major aspects to visionary leadership. The first consists of constructing a vision, creating an ideal image of the organization and its culture. The second involves defining an organizational strategy that succinctly states the vision and

developing programs and policies that put the philosophy into practice within the organizations unique context and culture. The third aspect centers on the leaders own practices, the specific actions in which a leader engages on a one-to-one basis in order to create and support their vision.

It is imperative for a visionary leader to be able to construct a vision that is creative, clear, and concise, and that also complements the organizations culture and strategy. A visionary leader should be able to have the foresight to plan strategically for potential opportunities and threats.

Once the vision is constructed, then the visionary leader should be able to implement policies and procedures to make sure that the vision is turned into action. To make this process successful, a visionary leader must lead by example and create respectful and empowering relationships with his or her followers.

Instructions:

Drawing on the material in the background readings and doing additional research, please review the 25 most influential people according to USA TODAY

and write a 5 page paper (not including the cover and reference pages) where you address the following:

Select a leader from the list who you consider to be an outstanding example of visionary leadership. Conduct independent research on this individual and create a profile of this leader that addresses the following:

Why do you characterize this individual as visionary? Give specific examples.

Analyze the added value of this visionary leader brings to the organization based upon your research.

Do you think visionary leaders are needed in every workplace? Why or why not?

What business conditions particularly call for visionary leadership?