The 'Vision' must deliver added value 'SOMEHOW'

From an interesting comment thread on Xebia blog.

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[T] About whether the team is the place where real value is added, I have my difficulty in accepting it like that: I saw very skilled teams failing because of a lack of vision, so if a vision makes the difference, it must add real value, somehow!

[G] All the parts of a human body have to work together, but not the parts of a human body make the body work, it’s the ‘SOUL’ that brings the body alive !

Likewise, for a company or a project, every part has to add his two cents to the greater whole (as you describe), and in order to have all these efforts aligned towards a common goal a strong VISION is needed

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[P]
About whether the team is the place where real value is added, I have my difficulty in accepting it like that: I saw very skilled teams failing because of a lack of vision, so if a vision makes the difference, it must add real value, somehow!

[G]
Your ’somehow’ at the end is a very interesting one !
What is a vision does to make the difference ? Would it be the Vision or the Leader that preaches the vision ?

I’m thinking it must be a bit of both:
A vision needs to meet certain criteria :
- A vision must be understandable
- A vision must be repeatable
- A vision must be inviting
- A vision must be worth the effort

Still, a vision without a strong leader preaching it, will not be successful !
- The leader must make people enthusiastic
- The leader must be persistent
- The leader must be supportive
- The leader must be guiding.