Dream big dreams

Like many scrum masters, I spend plenty of time learning new things about my profession.  I am participating in the Chicago State University Certified Agile Coach program to improve my coaching skills.  We have been discussing various topics, from active listening to servant leadership.  This week, something struck me during class: the observation that a servant leader needs to dream big dreams.  You do not usually think about leadership requiring big ideas, but imagination is necessary if you are going to lead in a global economy. 

Being labeled a dreamer is often considered a stigma in academics and business.   It implies a lack of seriousness and an inability to recognize the practical realities of the world around us.  To be a dreamer is to be either a rock star or a hippy.  I beg to differ.  People who are dreamers have a vision about how things should be.  Having the imagination to see things differently and the determination to make it happen makes investors swoon and makes innovation possible. 

Being a dreamer is positive.  It looks forward and asks, “Why not?”  A leader replies, “Not yet,” when they hear something is impossible.  It is not mindless optimism but a quiet determination to look ahead and see a better future.   In addition to seeing a better future, a servant leader must share that vision to provide meaning and purpose to others and yourself in this absurd world.  The ability to dream helps you gather strength in bad times and excel when the opportunity comes. 

A dreamer is someone each organization craves because much of the business world contains drudgery and monotony.  People crave purpose and want to feel the effort they put in daily is worth the struggle, so a good vision helps fulfill this role.  As a servant leader, dreaming big dreams is necessary. 

Until next time.