"Perhaps God made the world round so we
couldn't see too far."
--Isak Dinesen, Out of Africa
While navigating Washington,
D.C. recently I was reminded that the layout of the “District” is the
result of someone’s vision.
In fact, it all began in 1790
when, upon the recommendation of then President George Washington,
Congress authorized the creation of a 100-square-mile federal
district along the Potomac River that is under the jurisdiction of the United
States Congress.
Washington identified
the location and at some point, his name was placed on what was called
the "District of Columbia." However, the concept came
from the mind of French architect Pierre Charles L'Enfant.
L'Enfant
is responsible for a framework that, in remarkable ways, remains
close to the original plan sketched out over 200 years ago. Beauty in simplicity
The original
design of a "grand capital of wide avenues, public squares, and
inspiring buildings in what was then a district of hills, forests, marshes, and
plantations" is what we behold more than two centuries
later.
The biggest obstacles in
the early days were funding for the project and the District's wealthy landowners who didn't share L'Enfant's vision.
Nevertheless, the
contours of the original survey have outlasted nearly eight generations of
Washingtonians--something to think about in a city of mostly disposable ideas.
Mining visionary lessons
George Washington and
Pierre L'Enfant offer instruction on the important, but sometimes misunderstood, subject of "vision."
Before "casting a vision" toward a desirable destination here are some insights to consider:
Early stages
- People first. Washington selected the land but needed help. So he enlisted L’Enfant. The right person improves the chances of getting the right plan. L'Enfant was a seasoned architect when Washington selected him for this monumental task.
Ingredients
- Enduring qualities. It’s important to introduce concepts that are deep, not just wide. ("Every citizen equally important"). Sloganeering and platitudes don't have a long shelf life and they're promotional in nature. Well-thought-out visions hold their original value even when updated by succeeding generations and circumstances.
- Need a centerpiece. For L'Enfant, it was the "public walk" or what is now known as the National Mall. The two-mile-long strip of grass has become the world's stage for demonstrations and public debate as a showcase of democracy.
- The role of character. The values of the visionary become the values of the design. What comes out is what's already inside. This helps explain why some visions are elevating and others are grandiose.
Other stages
- A proper horizon. Vision becomes reality over time, not overnight. A century later the work was far from complete. In 1901 the McMillan Commission updated the original plan based on L’Enfant’s drawings and moved things into the next phase of development.
- Getting credit, getting paid, or both. It's possible to have a vision or idea and not get credit for it--or get paid. L'Enfant quit in frustration and was never compensated for his Washington, D. C. assignment unless you count having a Metro station associated with your name (L'Enfant Plaza).
- Proceed with caution. Visions need some vetting. Unchecked dreams often become nightmares. A huge waterfall cascading down Capitol Hill never went anywhere. Washington and L'Enfant were tested in many ways yet the essentials of the design are still in place.
Final thoughts
The good thing about principles is they are scalable. A department or business unit is not Washington, D. C. but those you lead and manage still need a sense of purpose and direction. Associates should understand the "goal" and be able to measure progress toward its achievement.
A shared vision is an absolute necessity for getting something done through others. Both face-to-face communication and social media can be enlisted for support.
And the biggest myth about vision? That vision makes it possible to do anything. (Burt Nanus)
Strategist.com.
(C) Bredholt & Co.
