Traits of a Visionary Leader

UNDER its “Board and Executive Leadership” monthly learning series, the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) recently held a webinar on “Leadership Elevated: Transforming Managers into Visionary Leaders,” conducted by Dr. Celia Chomón Zamora, CAE and director of the Professional Learning and Certification for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

While there are several essential traits of a visionary leader, Dr. Zamora identified five key traits from which I coined the acronym “EVISA”:

1. Empathy. This is essential for understanding and motivating diverse teams. Studies show association leaders who practice empathy towards their members, stakeholders, and staff see an increase in job performance and engagement levels. Visionary leaders foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is encouraged. By building strong relationships and partnerships, they amplify the association’s impact and reach.

2. Vulnerability. Vulnerable leaders do not shy away from admitting they do not have all the answers, which invites collaboration and innovation from their teams. This vulnerability promotes a culture of trust, where taking calculated risks and learning from setbacks are valued as part of the journey towards achieving visionary goals.

Dr. Zamora gave two examples: (a) Brené Brown, a research professor and author known for her work on vulnerability and leadership, on how the power of vulnerability highlights the importance of connection, courage, and authenticity, which are critical for visionary leadership; and (b) Satya Nadella, whose leadership at Microsoft encourages employees to learn from their experiences and from each other, promoting an environment where vulnerability is not seen as a weakness but as a stepping stone to innovation and growth.

3. Innovation. Visionary leaders are characterized by their ability to foresee future trends and leverage these insights to advance innovation within their organizations. They embrace innovation and encourage a culture of creativity within the association. They are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom, explore new ideas, and experiment with novel approaches.

4. Strategic thinking. A visionary leader thinks several steps ahead, aligning their organization’s goals with future market demands. They are adept at scenario planning, a technique that has been used effectively by companies to navigate through various global economic crises. Through strategic planning and foresight, a visionary leader charts a course that ensures that the association remains relevant and impactful in a rapidly evolving environment.

5. Authenticity. Authentic leaders are true to their values and beliefs, and they lead with integrity. They are consistent in words and actions, which earns them the respect and loyalty of members and stakeholders of their associations.

Associations, whether they represent industries, professions, or communities, require visionary leaders to navigate complexities, drive progress, and inspire collective action towards shared goals. By embodying EVISA traits, association leaders can navigate complexity, inspire innovation, and empower their organizations to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Octavio Peralta is the founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives, the “association of associations.” The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Businessmirror. E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.