Visionary leaders recognize the importance of investing for the future. They balance short-term results with actions that ensure future success. These leaders realize that a myopic focus on the immediate future will only lead so far. A longer time horizon is needed to achieve more than just immediate gains. 

Thomas Jefferson (Louisiana Purchase), Walter Wriston (Citibank’s Consumer Bank strategy), Vince Lombardi (player development), Maggie Thatcher (privatization of British Petroleum) – to name just four leaders from different eras – all initiated major investments for the future. Imagine the world if these individuals and others like them had chosen to pursue more short-term oriented paths. Continue reading…