Monday, October 22, 2007

On Visions


Government of Botswana Vision 2016 (1996)

"By the year 2016, Botswana will be a compassionate and caring nation. Income will be distributed equitably. Poverty will have been eradicated, and there will be an efficient social safety net for those who suffer misfortune. All Batswana will have access to good quality health services, sanitation and nutrition. The negative impact of the AIDS epidemic in Botswana will have been halted and reversed."

Government of the Northwest Territories Vision of the 15th National Assembly (2004)
"Self-reliant individuals and families sharing the rewards and responsibilities of healthy communities and a prosperous and unified Northwest Territories."

Government of East Timor Vision 2020 (2002)
"A prosperous society with sufficient food, shelter, clothing and security for all its people All towns and villages with access to adequate and appropriate roads, transport, electricity and communication All East Timorese to be literate, skilled and participating in the economic, social and political life of the Nation. Increased productivity in all sectors, creating job opportunities for all"


National visions inspire people but they do not map the journey nor do they guarantee an outcome. It is the combination of a vision and the acquired experiences and culture of a people that produce the strength required to translate the vision and show the path. This unique combination of vision and people produce unique results – every time.

This same combination of experience and vision also makes results impossible to replicate elsewhere. In other words, the journey - or practices, tools, priorities, systems - selected by people to achieve X in one organization will not achieve the same X in another. The collective experiences and culture of a people will make their vision grow at a rate and in a manner that reflects that experience.

This means that tailoring a practice may make it fit but it may not necessarily guarantee results typical of this practice. It also means that the framework of organizations and rules built from people’s experiences will greatly influence the growth of a vision and the anticipated results. A vision is a public quest of a very personal kind. They promote inclusive results in a very exclusive manner.
Photo: Kabul Golf Course

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