The Fear of Being Visionary
“The risks of being visionary may explain why most companies choose to play it safe. “
The dream of being visionary. Image by Wirestock-Envato.Not long ago, I read Henry Ford’s autobiography. In it, he stated, “The moment one gets into the ‘expert’ state of mind, a great number of things become impossible.”
Ford believed that once someone considers themselves an expert, they cease to evolve. As he put it, “No one ever considers himself an expert if he really knows his job. A man who knows a job…is always pressing forward and never gives up an instant of thought to how good and efficient he is. Thinking always ahead, thinking always of trying to do more, brings a state of mind in which nothing is impossible.”
Ford was a true visionary. Merriam-Webster defines the term as someone with “unusual foresight and imagination.” Ford didn’t just dream about the future; he actively set out to build it, surrounding himself with people who were “crazy” enough to share his vision.
Dreamers focus on the destination;
visionaries concentrate on how to get there.
Many organizations want—or even need—to stand out to survive in today’s competitive world. Yet, when it comes down to it, few display the courage to genuinely embrace what it means to be visionary.
Some confuse being a visionary with being a dreamer. As Martin Luther King Jr. put it, “The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed, and a visionary has his eyes open.” Dreamers imagine possibilities but often fail to take action. In contrast, visionaries not only envision the future—they also possess the determination to realize it.
In other words, dreamers focus on the destination; visionaries concentrate on how to get there. In business, there are far more dreamers than visionaries.
The Dream of Being VisionaryBeing a visionary means taking risks and finding your own way, which can be challenging, time-consuming, and uncertain. Many businesses struggle with this issue. Rather than forging their own paths, they often imitate their competitors, measuring their success against others.
To embark on a visionary journey, companies must have a strong belief in their potential, the determination to overcome challenges, and the courage to move forward, even when the outcome is uncertain. Unfortunately, many companies prioritize quick wins, shy away from risks, and aim for incremental growth—none of which truly embodies visionary leadership.
Henry Ford was a true visionary. Image by Duallogic-Envato. Following the HerdThe risks associated with being visionary may explain why most companies choose to play it safe. They adopt a traditional approach:
Benchmarking against competitors, tracking industry trends, and ensuring they don’t fall behind.
Improving products and services to enhance their market attractiveness.
Developing new, yet not radically different, products or services to maintain a competitive edge.
These strategies reflect a business mindset, not a visionary one. A business mindset focuses on short-term goals and validation from peers, while a visionary mindset seeks to break free from established norms.
There's a quote often attributed to Henry Ford (: “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Although Ford likely never said this, it serves as a great example of his visionary mindset. Companies with a business mindset seek faster horses, while visionary companies are less concerned with the actions of others. They keep their eyes fixed on the future they intend to create.
A business mindset focuses on short-term goals and validation from peers, while a visionary mindset seeks to break free from established norms.
Why Visionary Thinking MattersThe reason I chose this topic is that I believe now, more than ever, we need visionary individuals and companies.
Visionary thinking is essential for tackling many of the serious challenges the world faces today, such as the climate crisis. It’s also important from a business standpoint. While playing it safe may keep a company afloat in the short term, only those willing to embrace a visionary approach will truly stand out in the long run. True innovation emerges from venturing into the unknown, not from following others.
As Henry Ford demonstrated, being visionary isn’t about expertise or mastering what is already known—it’s about constantly looking forward, embracing uncertainty, and believing in the impossible. For businesses that wish to stand out, this is the only path worth pursuing. By having the courage to question the status quo and invest in ideas that others deem too risky, they lead us into the future.
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