In his 2011 commencement address at the University of Pittsburgh, JJ Gumberg CEO Ira Gumberg urged Pitt graduates to establish three key habits to achieve their dreams and ambitions: broaden their minds, sharpen their vision, and trust their guts.
As one of Pittsburgh’s leading real estate experts and business innovators, Gumberg is well aware of these traits’ ongoing positive impact – especially in an increasingly post-COVID society; while all three remain paramount, vision is particularly important, as was shown during the height of the pandemic. During that time, leaders needed to meet unprecedented challenges and anticipate new ones in real time. Never before was outside-the-box thinking more valuable, and that, Gumberg argues, is the new norm in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape.
Visionary leadership plays a crucial role in driving success and innovation. Aspiring leaders must become comfortable aligning their present and future, understanding that complacency is never an option if one wishes to remain ahead of the competition and poised for ongoing disruption. Specifically, these leaders should hone the ability to constantly focus forward and imagine a future that is different and better – even if their present landscape is functional. This practice involves setting a clear direction, inspiring others, and guiding them toward shared goals – all while continuously seeking new knowledge, challenging assumptions, and embracing diverse perspectives. Along the way, these leaders open themselves to fresh ideas and unconventional solutions.
Sharpening one’s vision requires developing a deep understanding of the business landscape, industry trends, and emerging technologies. Leaders must actively scan the external environment to identify opportunities and anticipate potential challenges. At the height of the pandemic, for instance, visionary leaders demonstrated the importance of foresight and adaptability. They quickly recognized the need to pivot their strategies, explore new markets, and embrace digital transformation. Their ability to envision a future beyond the crisis allowed them to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Trusting one’s gut instinct is another essential characteristic of visionary leadership. While data and analysis provide valuable insights, sometimes leaders must rely on their intuition when making critical decisions. Gut feelings are often the result of years of experience and accumulated knowledge, allowing leaders to make swift and confident choices when time is of the essence. During the pandemic, leaders faced unprecedented challenges and had to make tough decisions in a rapidly changing environment. Those who trusted their instincts and made gutsy moves were often better equipped to navigate the crisis.
Outside-the-box thinking, in this sense, has redefined the norm for visionary leaders. In an era of constant disruption and innovation, the status quo is no longer sufficient. Leaders must challenge traditional practices, encourage experimentation, and embrace risk-taking. They should foster a culture of creativity and progressive thinking in times of hardship and uncertainty.
Throughout COVID, leaders willing to disrupt existing business models and explore new avenues set a bold example – and for visionary leadership to endure, such principles must remain commonplace as we continue to grapple with various layered, far-reaching societal issues and existential factors.
