Lust After Vision; The Excellence Centers Case
A leader has to be a great listener, a clear communicator and above all, a visionary. In Cyprus, a lot of projects are initiated with short term goals motivated by personal gain, and therefore they lack long term impact.
Recently, many excellence centers and new universities pop up yearly in our country - they seem to bring innovation. However, for projects like that to be successful, we must take into consideration their sustainability and their effect on the community around them. When I was informed about the prospect of a new maritime university in Larnaca, I quickly realized that the key players involved in planning it did not have the necessary vision to successfully execute such ventures. This is where politics meet innovation.
Our continuous journey toward success is a constant battle between our current knowledge (or: beliefs system) and our vision for the future. Regardless of who we are - investors, educators, entrepreneurs, or family-oriented individuals, we are all on a journey to advance our beliefs and choices. We can navigate this path safely by establishing a clear goal and by consistently reaffirming our vision. Obviously, it is demanding since conflicted personal agendas are involved. However, it is vital to share our vision with people that push us forward.
If the previous thinking is applied on the creation of a new university surely sounds beneficial, at first glance, since it will spark short-term publicity and enthusiasm. But long term consequences should be also taken into consideration. Multiple questions should be answered, like what is the market size of students that might be interested to study the offered university subjects and how will we get them to move to the city. Regarding the professors, it’s worth questioning how we will resource and sustain them. Last but not least, how will the community benefit economically and how will we handle the expected increase in rents. Who will benefit from such results?
After all, my biggest concern was not the foundation of the university, nor If I personally agree with its aspiration but the fact that the people proposing it did not have the answers to those questions. And without a plan, there is no purpose.
So, what are our priorities?
The period after realizing a vision is a critical one, as it sets the stage for the long-term success or failure of a project. It is during this phase that the true implications of the decisions made so far become apparent, and the consequences of the leader's lust for achievement appear. In the aftermath of the educational center's development, the community may face increased traffic congestion, loss of green spaces or even a strain on local resources. These issues, which were overlooked in the initial planning stages can lead to dissatisfaction, resentment and even community protests. This is why it is essential for leaders to be cautious about the potential consequences of their actions and to carefully consider the implications that come with their decisions.
A clear and well-defined vision is essential for any successful leader. It is the guiding light that directs their actions and decisions, providing them with a sense of purpose and direction. However, a plain vision is not enough. Leaders must also possess the wisdom to evaluate the potential aftereffects of their actions, ensuring that their pursuit of success does not come at the expense of those they aim to serve. By filtering the lust for achievement with a deep understanding of the possible impacts, leaders can create a lasting legacy that not only benefits themselves but also the communities they are a part of.
In conclusion, lust after vision can be both a driving force and a potential pitfall for leaders in business and politics. While it can result in great achievements, it can also lead to short-sighted decisions with negative consequences. A successful leader is the one who balances their ambitions with a clear understanding of the potential impacts, ensuring that their vision becomes a reality without causing harm to those around them.
