Often, the secret to an innovative business lies in a visionary leader. Visionaries are usually the driving force behind business success, and working with a founder like this can be incredibly rewarding. It’s also true, however, that working with a visionary can require a delicate approach. Here’s what you need to know.

Characteristics of a Visionary Leader

A visionary leader, founder, or CEO has a different role than an implementation leader. These days, when you think of famous visionary leaders, tech giants such as Elon Musk or Steve Jobs come to mind. These leaders, whatever you may think of them, were able to shoot for the moon and reach it.

Visionary leaders have a knack for identifying gaps in the market and the direction of the industry. Their ideas are often ahead of their time and can usher in a new era for their business. They’re trendsetters and boat-rockers who aren’t afraid to do things their way, even if others call them crazy.

While “idea men” are a dime a dozen, visionary leaders stand out because their ideas are brilliant, actionable, and innovative. They might push their teams to the limit to get results, but doing so benefits everyone in the long run.

The visionary is the organization’s biggest cheerleader. Even if leadership changes over time, the company will always bear the fingerprint of the visionary who shaped it from the ground up.

Pros and Cons of a Visionary CEO

While each visionary leader or CEO is unique, a few pros and cons typically accompany working for one.

Here are a few visionary skills
in which they usually excel:

• Providing a clear direction for the company
• Defining long-term goals, mission, and values
• Building a brand identity
• Making organizational priorities very clear
• Motivating employees through their passion and vision
• Creating a sense of purpose
• Uniting employees around common goals
• Taking risks to pursue growth and innovation
• Attracting new hires who believe in the mission
• Fostering a culture of creativity
• Convincing investors to get on board with the vision

However, there are also a few negative traits of a visionary leader to be aware of. Not every visionary leader will exhibit these drawbacks, but anticipating potential pitfalls can help you manage your expectations.

A few cons to watch out for:

• Stalling out when it comes to execution
• Being unwilling to hear criticism
• Having fragile egos
• Occasionally, having unrealistic expectations
• Being ruthless in pursuit of their goals
• Having an odd or complex personality
• Expecting every employee to be as invested as they are
• Putting a lot of pressure on themselves

Tips for Working with a Visionary in Business

Visionary leaders stand out because they don’t think the same way as everybody else. It makes them unique, but it’s something to be aware of when navigating your working relationship. If you work for a visionary, here are 10 ways to maximize your potential and make yourself indispensable to them.

1. Be an active listener. Don’t assume you know all the details of a goal or idea. Practice active listening skills to understand the rationale behind the visionary’s thoughts. Ask questions to be sure you fully grasp the big picture.
2. Make connections. A visionary can’t always envision how their larger idea connects to a company’s projects or priorities. If you understand where your role fits within the larger plan, you can help your founder create tangible steps and identify milestones that you and your team can aim for to bring their vision to life.
3. Break down big ideas. Sometimes a visionary’s goals can seem overly lofty. Breaking them into smaller, more manageable tasks can illuminate your next steps. While the founder focuses on the “what” and “why,” your role can be to figure out the “how.”
4. Get things done. Visionaries often struggle with the practical implementation of their ideas. You will provide an incredible service by proving you can bring their dreams to life. Creating and implementing timelines and processes that can get you from point A to point B will make a world of difference to a visionary.
5. Track progress. Idea people aren’t always great with metrics and other statistics. You can demonstrate your team’s progress towards your goals by identifying measurable KPIs and clear deliverables. Set realistic deadlines and stay on top of meeting them.
6. Anticipate obstacles. Sometimes, a visionary leader might not be able to see the potential setbacks standing in their way. They need someone to foresee these problems and develop solutions without being asked.
7. Sweat the small stuff. Any leader’s time is expensive. It’s not financially feasible for a visionary leader to be involved with every aspect of their idea’s execution. You can ensure the project stays on track if you’re incredibly organized about the small details.
8. Fill in the gaps. Every visionary is different. Observe the areas where your CEO lacks skill or interest. If you work to develop those skills in yourself, you can help create balance in your organization.
9. Be adaptable. Sometimes big dreams come with significant obstacles. If a visionary leader wants to make something happen, they must pivot when problems crop up. Remain agile so you can think on your feet and create alternatives to achieve the desired results.
10. Cheer them on. Visionaries are often brilliant. It’s okay and even helpful to let them know it from time to time. By validating their contributions, you will encourage them to continue building the creative, exciting, and innovative workplace culture you and your teammates enjoy.

Working with a visionary leader requires striking a balance between ambitious dreams and meticulous planning. If you truly understand their vision, you can be a trusted support who provides structure, sets milestones, and ultimately helps turn their vision into reality.

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Coach Dave