Season 9 Episode 1: What Vision Do You See Ahead?

Season 9 Episode 1: What Vision Do You See Ahead?

In the latest episode of The Thermostat Podcast, Jason V Barger explores the importance of vision and intentional leadership as we enter a new year. Whether you’re setting personal goals or shaping the culture of your organization, this episode encourages reflection and planning to ensure growth and meaningful impact.

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The Power of Vision in Leadership and Culture

Jason opens the episode with an analogy from his personal experience learning to surf. His instructor emphasized a simple yet profound lesson: “Where you look is where you go.” This statement sets the tone for the episode, underscoring the idea that clarity of focus determines the direction and outcomes in both personal and professional pursuits.

Leaders who aim to inspire positive corporate culture must first have a clear vision. This clarity enables them to guide their teams effectively, setting a tone that fosters collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose.

Jason highlights the role of intentionality in shaping a thriving culture. Teams and organizations that align their mission, vision, and values with clear goals are better equipped to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

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Lessons from Gonzaga University and the Florida Department of Transportation

Two compelling examples illustrate the transformative power of vision:

1. Gonzaga University: Once a struggling institution, Gonzaga invested in its men’s basketball program against all odds. Over 25 years, this audacious vision not only led to record-breaking sports achievements but also revitalized the university. Enrollment doubled, applicants tripled, and the budget soared, proving that strategic investment and shared purpose can spark remarkable growth.
2. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): FDOT’s “Target Zero” initiative, an ambitious goal to eliminate roadway accidents, challenges the status quo. By embracing new technologies and fostering a culture of safety, they demonstrate how a clear and audacious vision can catalyze meaningful change, even in daunting circumstances.

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Mantras for the Year Ahead

Jason encourages listeners to adopt a personal “GPS” for the new year—Goals, Passion, and Service:

• Goals: Define objectives that align with the person or organization you aspire to be.
• Passion: Infuse energy and enthusiasm into the pursuit of these goals.
• Service: Identify whom you aim to serve, whether it’s your team, customers, or loved ones.

He also shares his personal mantra for the year: Joy, Connection, and Impact. By using this framework, leaders can prioritize efforts that foster meaningful relationships and generate positive results.

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Notable Quotes

• “Where you look is where you go. Where you focus your eyes, your body will follow.”

• “A clear vision transforms hesitation into action and moves a dream from imagination to reality.”

• “All glory comes from daring to begin.”

• “Let your being drive your doing.”

• “The future of leadership is you, me, and us—together we create the culture we want to see.”

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A Question to Ponder

1. As you reflect on the road ahead, consider this:
   What vision do you see for your life, work, or team in the year to come, and how will you dare to begin?

Links and References

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

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By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”

Our next episode will feature Atomic Habits with James Clear. Stay Tuned!