Share Your Vision

I had the fortune to work for a company called Octel Communications for 8 years before it was acquired. It was a company with a clear vision and leaders who unfailingly communicated direction with the employees. We felt as though we were part of a large family -- and many of us still feel that way about each other today. We worked hard, smart, and were extraordinarily loyal.

Gary Bourgeault's post, The Power of Vision, reminded me of Octel. Bourgeault says, "When you look at the companies that people love to work for, you find that they have bought into what company represents and have a great feeling and attitude toward it. The result is that execution goes to a high level that competitors have a hard time matching."

Octel was a voice messaging company, so we often heard the voice of CEO Bob Cohn on a voice message to all employees. We also had Friday morning "donut meetings" in those early years, and one of the execs would give a brief in-person talk, sharing some bit of news with us.

As your business grows, never forget where you are going and who can help you get there. Share your vision. Share the news with your employees, and communicate with them often.