“Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp,do exactly as I do. When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, “For the Lord and for Gideon.”  
                                                                   —Judges 7:17-18 (NIV)

As leaders looking forward to this new year of 2016, we no doubt have a vision for what is ahead. Yet having the idea in our mind is only a small part of our leadership responsibility. The most important aspect of this vision is communicating it to the team. 

Gideon knew what the Lord was asking him to do and even though he probably had doubts, when the time came he threw his full weight into the mission. He was able to use his influence to clearly convey what needed to be done and then he did it with his army.

The best way to persuade those under our leadership is not by just sharing the dream in words, but by showing them what we are hoping to do. It all comes down to what they understand. If they don’t grasp it, they will never get on board. Paint your big picture clearly when you are ready to move forward in the direction God is leading.

Good leaders must communicate vision clearly, creatively and continually. However, vision doesn’t come alive until the leader models it.
                                                                                             —John C. Maxwell