Most of us started our business with a vision. Most of us who have continued in business have done so because we have the personality type to dream big and reimagine that original vision. Do you realise that this is a valuable trait to have? And how few people have it?

In recent discussions with a variety of people, I have been reminded of how often people bemoan their situations but aren’t willing to do anything to change it. Or how some people have the ‘vision’ but aren’t prepared to take the risk or the leap of faith to make it a reality.

Most people spend their time worrying about what might be lost in the process of change, rather than what might be gained.

Others are waiting for the perfect solution to come along before they will change direction, and are content to use outdated methods or processes while they search. Although this can feel like the ‘responsible’ action to take, it generally ends up costing organisations a great deal of time and money, not to mention the effect on staff morale.

Every business has obstacles (i.e. the trees) that can make the forest (i.e. the vision) difficult to see. There is no point pretending the ‘trees’ aren’t there – if there are problems, they need to be addressed. But the key to a successful business is to acknowledge the areas that need to be overcome, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Jack Welch, former CEO of GE Electric put it this way: “You've got to eat while you dream. You've got to deliver on short-range commitments, while you develop a long-range strategy and vision and implement it. The success of doing both. Walking and chewing gum if you will. Getting it done in the short-range, and delivering a long-range plan, and executing on that.”

So keep looking up at the forest! Don’t get bogged down in the short-term tasks or the obstacles. Remind yourself of your vision and take bold steps to make it happen.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender

Some business owners can be categorised as ‘working for themselves’ – that is, they have chosen to create their own job and workplace, rather than be employed by someone else. They are not seeking to ‘change the world’ but are very happy being their own boss. Other business owners can be better defined as entrepreneurs, which “is someone who is always thinking [she] can do things a different, better way...and sees them differently than other people do” (Sam Zell, Chairman of Equity Group Investments).

When you read those two descriptions, you will know which one describes you. Neither is ‘right’ or ‘better’, and to a large degree, you won’t have a lot of choice as to which type of business owner you are. That is, if you are an entrepreneur, you will think as Sam Zell has described: your automatic response will be to see ways that something can be improved.

This trait does come with a downside: entrepreneurs are often viewed as arrogant. And it IS a fine line: just because you think (or know!) that there is a more efficient way, doesn’t mean people are ready to hear that. At best, you need to find a tactful way to make suggestions.

Although it can be frustrating, the best course of action is to channel that energy into the things you can control, and showing the end product as proof. Most people are not going to ‘see’ the vision you have, either for something new or how your method is going to change current outcomes. Where you do need to get stakeholders on board in order to progress your ideas, make sure you provide concrete examples of benefits and outcomes.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender