EP208: Why Leaders Need a Vision (Not Just Goals)
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email to angie@angie-robinson.com.
It’s a new year—2026—and there’s that familiar feeling of possibility in the air. That fresh-start energy doesn’t last on its own. It’s something we choose to lean into.
Last week, we talked about choosing one word as an anchor for the year—not a resolution, but a guiding focus for how you want to be as a leader and as a human. In today’s post, we build on that foundation by talking about vision and intention, and how they give your word direction.
This conversation isn’t about doing more. It’s about leading with clarity, purpose, and self-awareness.
Vision Is About Direction, Not Pressure
Here’s the guiding question for this episode: Where are you going—and who are you becoming?
Notice I didn’t ask what you’re doing. The “what” matters, but vision is about destination and identity. It’s about who you need to become to get where you’re going.
Vision acts as your North Star. When you’re clear on it, everything else begins to align.
A Disney Lesson in Leadership Vision
Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland is the star. Everything else is in the supporting role.”
Disneyland wasn’t just a project—it was the heart of his vision. Everything else he did supported and enhanced that vision. That clarity shaped his decisions, his investments, and how he inspired people.
That’s the power of vision. It informs how you lead.
What Happens When Leaders Lack Vision
Leaders without vision tend to drift. Leaders without intention tend to react.
Without clarity, it’s easy to get swept into other people’s priorities. That internal confusion impacts decision-making, emotional regulation, strategic direction, communication, and presence.
When leaders clarify who they are and where they’re going, alignment follows.
Vision, Intention, and Your One Word
Think of it this way:
Vision gives you direction
Intention gives you energy
Your one word gives you the lens
When those three align, you become grounded, powerful, and human-centered in your leadership. That’s leadership magic.
A Simple 4-Question Framework for Your 2026 Vision
You don’t need a complicated process. Just reflect on these four questions:
1. Who do you want to be this year?
This is about identity. Leadership is who you are before what you do. Go deeper—what does that actually look like in action?
2. How do you want to feel as you move through the year?
We often chase goals for the feeling we think they’ll give us. Instead, choose the feeling now. Confidence. Calm. Connection. Energy.
3. What do you want to create?
For yourself, your team, or your work. Keep it focused—one or two meaningful outcomes.
4. What do you want to experience?
This brings humanity into leadership. Ease. Growth. Joy. Rest. And name what might get in the way so you’re prepared.
Leadership Magic in Action
This vision work touches all three keys of leadership magic:
Character – aligning choices with who you want to be
Confidence – making steady decisions without fear
Connection – leading with clarity and consistency
Vision plus intention plus self-awareness creates leadership magic.
Your Invitation
Set aside 15–20 minutes this week. Write your vision. Keep it simple. Keep it human. Connect it to your one word.
Ask yourself:
Who am I becoming?
What matters most?
What needs to shift, grow, or be released?
That’s how you step into the year with clarity and grounded intention.
What Do You Think?
What is your leadership vision for 2026?
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