Book Review: Making Vision Stick

The other day I was home alone and bored, and like most people the first thought that went through my head was, "I think I'll turn on the TV." But recently I've been really trying to cut some of the unnecessary things out of my life like watching a bunch of TV, so instead of wasting away countless hours in mindless drivel in the form of sitcoms or analysis of the latest happenings in the sports world, I decided to read a book. I know, something is wrong with me, but I'm okay with that.

So, I sat down and did just that...I read a book...from cover to cover. Now, before you start getting too impressed, this book was only 74 pages long, and it began on page 11...just the way all books should be! It was obviously a quick read, but at the same time it was very concise, insightful, and powerful.  The book was Making Vision Stick, by Andy Stanley, Pastor of North Point Community Church, a megachurch on the outskirts of Atlanta, GA. Here is a quick review of the book.

Stanley opens the book by challenging the leader that it is their responsibility and no one else's when it comes to making vision stick. Once the leader has accepted this challenge, he provides the following 5 insights into "increasing the adhesiveness" of your vision:

1. State the Vision Simply--"...if your vision is going to stick in people's minds, it must be memorable" (p. 19).

2. Cast the Vision Convincingly--"...you must communicate [your vision] in a way that moves people to action" (p.24).

3. Repeat the Vision Regularly--"...you need to find ways to build vision casting into the rhythm of your organization" (pp. 33-34).

4. Celebrate the Vision Systematically--"...a leader needs to pause long enough to celebrate the wins along the way" (p.39).

5. Embrace the Vision Personally--"Living out the vision establishes credibility and makes you a leader worth following" (p.47).

Stanley concludes the book with some thoughts on what he calls "Vision Slippage Indicators." He also includes a personal testimony of how he has been able to live out his vision.

A quick read that packs some power with the punch.  Well worth the 45 minutes it will take to breeze through this book. As a piece of advice, though, don't get suckered into paying $9.00 for this book. Just sit down at your nearest Barnes and Noble and give it a quick read while sipping some Starbucks coffee (or if you're like me, peppermint hot chocolate!). Overall, I give this book an A+ for it's positive and challenging message from a proven leader and powerful communicator.