Kouzes and Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge, asked more than 75,000 people: "What values (personal traits or characteristics) do you look for and admire in your leader?" Two of the top traits that surfaced were forward-looking and inspiring. Leaders are expected to both envision the future and also inspire others to join them on the journey. It is not enough for a leader to simply set the course – they also need to engage others in building towards a shared future.
Leaders must clearly articulate what the future could look like, why it matters, and how it connects to the organization’s purpose and strategy. A strong vision is aspirational yet grounded, pushing people beyond current constraints while remaining relevant to their daily work. Forward-looking leaders scan the horizon for trends, risks, and opportunities, then translate those insights into a clear narrative about where the organization is headed.
Inspiration, however, goes beyond persuasive language. It requires conviction, authenticity, and the courage to lead through uncertainty. Visionary leadership is a shared, relational process that helps people see how their strengths and roles contribute to what comes next. When leaders connect vision with meaning, they foster deeper engagement, resilience, and collective commitment to the future. Below, we uncover three tips to inspire others toward a shared future and shared vision.
Embrace the role of Chief Storyteller. Leaders must continuously tell the story of the organization - where we have been, where we are, and where we are going. The leader is responsible for keeping the organization's history. Leaders must frame the vision in the context of shared history and current realities. This action of framing helps to set the context for the vision and allows others to link their own perspective to the future vision, allowing more people to feel invested in the future.
Be enthusiastic, energetic, and positive about the future. As Chief Storyteller, the leader must inspire others to commit to the vision. Effective leaders bring enthusiasm and energy to their communication to build excitement and get buy-in from staff and other key stakeholders. Even when things are tough, the Chief Storyteller must bring enthusiasm about the future while also remaining authentic.
Include others in the conversation about the future. The leader must bring the vision to life in a way that is meaningful to others, allowing them to see themselves in the future. Effective leaders also connect the work to a higher purpose. A Chief Storyteller must continuously ask others where they see themselves in the future and how they would like to contribute. When individuals feel personally connected and invested in the vision of the future, they are much more likely to enlist and commit to that shared future.
The Nebo Company has been working with visionary leaders and Chief Storytellers for more than 20 years. If you would like to read more, see our article On Visionary Leadership.