Are you building a new organization, launching a change effort, or simply managing an organization through changing times? If so, you’ll be much more effective if you communicate a clear and compelling vision that sets the direction for your organization. A clear vision not only keeps your organization focused and motivated, but also allows other organizations to get involved and fully support you, ensuring your success.

Below is a list of 10 steps you can take to create a compelling vision.

1. Evaluate what is happening around you. Determine who your stakeholders are and assess their needs and expectations of your organization. (Stakeholders can include major customers, partners, board members, peers, influencers within the organization) Find out how your stakeholders will measure your success. Then look externally and check how your competition is responding to changes in the marketplace. Consider if there is anything you can learn from them.

2. Look for trends. As you perform this analysis, you can see the trends that you need to address. If things continue as they are, what will that mean for your organization?

3. Think big. Give yourself some time to think about the opportunities ahead of you. What is the biggest thing you want to achieve? Think out of the box. Don’t limit your thinking. Is it big enough?

4. Think long term. Make sure you have a long-term view and not get carried away by short-term needs or personal ambition.

5. Dream your vision. Take a break. Imagine yourself in the future, a year from now. Write what will be different in clear and simple terms. Your organization has been successful. Describe what you have achieved and the key people who have contributed to your success. Describe the benefits this brings to the company, its customers, partners and employees.

6. Have passion. Does this vision excite you and motivate you to act? Does it have meaning? If not, what would it take for you to have true passion for your vision? Check your vision. Tackle any obstacles that are in your way.

7. Access available resources. Review the capabilities of your existing resources. Are there gaps? As you begin to implement your vision, you will need to address these gaps.

8. Invite others to enter. You are now ready to involve others in your planning. People generally like to collaborate and help. Be open to the ideas and input of others and share your vision with them. Start building a joint plan on how to implement the vision.

9. Balancing belief vs. frankness. As you communicate your vision, you must believe that your vision is correct while also being open to new ideas and suggestions from others. Without the support and commitment of others you cannot be successful.

10 Stay objective. Your vision is not you. If people reject your ideas, they are not rejecting you. Keep your objectivity with you at all times so that you can be open to suggestions that will improve your vision.