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Andrew Estes - The Clarity Project

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  • Writer's pictureAndrew Estes

Externalizing the Soul of Your Organization: The Key to Effective Leadership

In a recent interview on the Slingshot Group podcast, Glenn Packiam shared a profound insight that struck me deeply: “Your job as a leader is to externalize the soul of an organization.” This idea resonates far beyond the church context where Packiam reflected on his transition into a senior leadership role; it applies to any organization striving for clarity and effectiveness.


Packiam elaborated on this concept, explaining that articulating a clear and compelling vision is crucial for organizational health. He emphasized, “What I mean is, put it into words. Because if it doesn't live in words, it only lives in a person… Unhealthy organizations are dependent on a singular individual... That clarity allows you to empower other leaders.”

So, why is it so important to externalize the soul of your organization? Here’s a deeper look into why a well-articulated vision can transform leadership and drive success:


The Power of Articulating Your Vision

A vision isn't just a set of lofty goals or abstract ideas. It’s a clear, compelling narrative that defines where an organization is headed and why. When this vision is articulated well (not generically), it does more than just provide direction; it becomes a tool for empowerment.


1. Clarity Provides Direction: A clearly defined vision helps every member of the organization understand their role in the bigger picture. When people know the ultimate goal, they can align their efforts more effectively and make decisions that support the overarching mission. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Proverbs 29:18-19 (KJV)


2. Empowerment Through Ownership: When a vision is communicated clearly, it empowers other leaders within the organization. Instead of relying on one person to drive every initiative, a shared vision allows multiple leaders to take ownership and contribute to the mission. This collective leadership enhances resilience and adaptability.


3. Prevents Dependency on a Single Individual: Unhealthy organizations often rely heavily on one person—their visionary leader. This creates a bottleneck and can lead to instability if that individual leaves or is unavailable. The vision is often dead on arrival because it only means something to the single leader. By externalizing the vision, you ensure that the organization’s purpose and direction are not tied to any one person but are embedded within the entire community.


Practical Steps to Externalize Your Organization’s Soul

At RunFree.co, we specialize in helping churches and organizations crystallize their vision for disciple-making and beyond. Here are some steps to effectively externalize your organization’s vision:


1. Vision is a Team Sport: Involve key leaders and members in discussions about the organization’s purpose and goals. Their insights and buy-in will help shape a vision that resonates and is embraced by the wider community.


2. Articulate Clearly: Develop a Vision Frame that is both inspiring and easy to understand. Avoid jargon and insider language as best you can, and ensure that it communicates the core values and objectives of the organization.


3. Communicate Constantly: Share the vision regularly through various channels—meetings, newsletters, social media, and more. Deliver the vision as the mailman, not Santa Claus. It's not a once-a-year event. It's a daily drip! Reiterate its importance and celebrate milestones that align with the vision.


4. Embed it in the Culture: Make the vision a part of the organization’s culture. Align policies, procedures, and daily activities with the vision to reinforce its importance and ensure that it lives in the actions of every member.


Empowering Leaders and Strengthening Impact

By focusing on externalizing your organization’s soul, you set the stage for empowered leadership and a unified direction. Whether you're leading a church, a nonprofit, or a business, this approach fosters a healthier, more resilient organization where leaders are confident and motivated to drive the mission forward.


If you’re ready to take your organization’s vision from concept to action, check out the RunFree.co. We’ll help you articulate a vision that inspires, empowers, and transforms.


Will Mancini working with a church to create their vision.
RunFree.co Visionary Planning Retreat

Explore how we can support your journey: RunFree.co


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