Over the next 4 months I would like to share some key principles that are present in most highly functioning and performing organizations. These principles come from Dr. Ken Blanchard's book entitled, "Leading at a Higher Level."
 
Organizations where leading at a higher level exists are organizations that:
 
1.     Set their sight on the right target and vision.
2.     Treat their customers right. (In TC the student, family and donor is the "customer.")
3.     Treat their staff and volunteers right.
4.     Have the right kind of leadership.
 
Let's look at number one this month. How does one go about setting their sight on the right target and have the right vision?
 
Marksmen will tell you that if you are going to aim for a target, you should go for the bull's-eye. The reason for that is if you miss the bull's-eye, you're still on the target. But, if all you do is aim for the target and you miss, you're nowhere. Someone else said that if you shoot at nothing, you will always hit your target.
 
Some leaders don't like to set goals or to project vision because those goals and vision hold them accountable to accomplish at a certain level. Then if they don't reach their goals they may receive criticism or might feel like a failure. I know personally that when I set goals, I tend to accomplish much more in a year's time. I have missed many goals over the years and when I do, I re-evaluate the reasons why I didn't reach them and set new ones for the next year.
 
Great Vision provides you with the picture of the future for your organization. It gives you, your staff, and donors a glimpse into where you are going and what you hope to accomplish over time. It tells a story and clarifies why you are doing what you are doing and it gives hope. 
 
The target you aim for has a lot to do with your performance.
 
As a ministry we want to be an organization that everyone can send their child to with confidence their child will be cared for and helped. You know that everyone who comes to us for help may not stay long enough for us to help them. However, it is our full desire that anyone who comes will be cared for equally, with deep conviction and not leave before their life has been changed. We want to see every life transformed by God's power.
 
As an organization, we want to be respected as the provider of choice. We want the community to feel that we are the best at what we do and that we have the best program possible. We want our graduates to be raving fans of their experience in Teen Challenge. We also want to be the best place to work and provide our donors with the confidence that they are giving to a credible organization.
 
I challenge you to study the topic of casting vision, and do yourself a favor--dream big for the Lord!

Jerry Nance PhD
President
Global Teen Challenge
 
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