Can the Research Scientist envision the future?
An envisioned future is the third component of vision. Envisioned future is actually represented by two components 1) a BHAG (an abbreviation used by Collins and Porras for a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”) and 2) a description of the outcome and the by-products realized once the BHAG is completed. While core values are realized today, envisioned future is yet to be realized. It is about fulfilling your purpose.
When considering envisioned future, you need to think impact – in both scale and arena. Scale, as the term BHAG implies, large scale. A BHAG is a goal that will be a major stretch for him. It will force the research scientist to think beyond his current capabilities and will require 10 to 30 years to accomplish. It should not be a sure thing, i.e. there will no guarantee success. By now, the arena should be obvious – in the area of your purpose. One question to ask is, “What goal can be set to advance your life towards your purpose?” Once accomplished, “What it will be like to achieve your BHAG?” This is your description. It may include a description of the journey to the end as well as the end itself. In any case, it needs to create an exciting picture that a team can buy into. It needs to motivate.
Whereas core values and purpose involves identity, envisioning the future is about creation. In years to come, it will give the research scientist something to look back on and say, “WOW!”
Collins and Porras provide examples of BHAGs and Envisioned Future that can be found at:
http://www.bonner.org/resources/modules/modules_pdf/BonCurBHAGS.pdf
After identifying core values, purpose, and the envisioned future, organize and display them in an easy to read document. The following slide is an example from Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by James C. Collins and Jerry I. Porras. It illustrates the vision of Merck that was developed in the 1930’s. The vision developed by Merck is also a testimony of how real vision will withstand the test of time. (You can read Built to Last to see a vivid description of Merck’s envisioned future as well as other examples.)
So far, we have considered “what” and “why” questions in our discussions. Next we talk about “how” the research administrator can begin to help the research scientist develop and realize his vision. But before we do, we will stop and look at the relationship between career and personal life and how they impact vision.
