Vision
We live in a moment when people are stretched thin, worn down, and quietly wondering, “Is it always going to feel like this?”
Work is heavy. The news is loud. And in a world full of noise and need, one thing quietly makes the difference: hope.
Not the hashtag version. Not the fake-it-til-you-make-it kind. Real, rooted hope that can hold up under pressure—and pass from one person to another.
Because according to Gallup, the #1 thing followers want from their leaders isn’t clarity or control. It’s hope.
And let’s be real: most of us don’t feel like we’re carrying much of it.
But what if hope isn’t something we feel? What if it’s something we carry—and something God forms in us, even when we’re in the middle of the mess?
Let’s rewind for a minute. My childhood wasn’t exile-level hard, but I had my own moments of hope that felt pretty epic at the time. And just like the Israelites during the Babylonian exile, some of those hopes came true, and some… didn’t exactly pan out.
Let’s rewind for a minute.
Hope starts small. A snow day. A dance invite. A game console. A very specific Christmas gift. For me, it was things like:
- Finding a $20 bill at the mall (happened—twice!)
- Getting asked to Sadie Hawkins (never happened—still not over it)
- The Broncos winning a Super Bowl (finally happened in ’98—thank you, John Elway)
- Dating the girl of my dreams, Kathy (never happened—she chose the quarterback instead)
Hope isn’t just a grown-up concept. It’s been shaping us since before we realized it. And it’s not something you feel—it’s someone you know.
When Hope Gets Heavy
Hope sounds great until it doesn’t show up. Until you’re stuck. Until life hits hard.
That’s exactly where God’s people were in exile. Their land was lost. Their temple destroyed. Their identity shattered. Everything looked hopeless.
But God had given them a promise before the exile even began:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…” (Isaiah 40:31)
That promise wasn’t a last-minute pep talk. It was a word for the exile. A reminder that even when everything looks lost, hope remains.
What You Feed, Grows
Hope doesn’t just appear. Neither does despair. They grow. One is a tree rooted in faith, the other in fear. One flourishes. The other withers.
Here’s the difference:
- Despair feels abandoned. Hope knows God is present.
- Despair asks, “What’s the point?” Hope asks, “What’s the next step?”
- Despair shuts down. Hope presses on.
So which one are you feeding?
Because what you focus on… grows.
Hope Has a Source
Before we talk about how hope is formed, we need to be clear about something: hope isn’t something we conjure up. It’s not a mood we manufacture, or a mindset we fake until we make. Biblical hope has a source—and it’s not us. It’s Jesus.
Our hope doesn’t come from circumstances, from personality, or from wishful thinking. Our hope is rooted in the unchanging character of God and the finished work of Christ. He is our anchor in the storm, our light in the dark, and our strength when we’re running on empty.
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him…”
Not the God who has hope. The God who is hope. And as believers, we don’t just hope for something—we hope in Someone.
With that in mind, here’s the invitation: to let Jesus form something deep and lasting in you. Because hope isn’t self-made. It’s Spirit-shaped. It’s not instant or easy—but it is possible, and powerful, when He’s the one doing the building.
Hope is FORM’d in You
Here’s how He forms it:
Hope isn’t something you find. It’s something you build. It’s formed in you—through faith, pain, memory, and movement. That’s what the FORM framework is all about:
F – Faith-Filled Foundation (Romans 5:1–5)
Hope begins when you’re anchored in who God is—not how things are going.
You don’t have to earn your foundation. It’s already under you. You’re not building on quicksand—you’re rooted in grace.
O – Overcoming Through Suffering (James 1:2–4)
Hope isn’t found in escaping pain. It’s formed by walking through it with God.
When my wife Carla was told she’d likely lose five of her front teeth from bone and gum loss, despair showed up fast. Embarrassment. Fear. Shame. It was all there.
But we turned to God—and yes, we prayed hard. Radical treatments followed. Months of uncertainty. But God led us to the right doctor. The bone healed. The teeth were saved. Her case is now studied by dentists around the world.
Hope didn’t ignore the diagnosis. It clung to God through it.
R – Remembering God’s Faithfulness (Psalm 77:11)
When you can’t see what’s ahead, remember what God has already done—and what He’s already promised.
Hope doesn’t come from predicting the future. It comes from remembering the past and standing on God’s Word. Scripture is packed with promises that speak directly to our doubts and detours. When we recall what He’s done and what He’s said, we give hope a firm place to stand.
You don’t need new proof. You need old faith grounded in eternal truth.
M – Moving Forward with Expectation (Isaiah 40:31)
Hope doesn’t freeze you in place. It gives you courage to take the next step.
Biblical hope isn’t passive. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s active trust. As Paul said, “I press on.” Even when it’s slow. Even when you limp.
Hope doesn’t need a spotlight. It just needs shoes. If you’re still walking, you haven’t given up.
And Then… It Flows Out of You
According to Gallup, the #1 thing followers want from their leaders isn’t clarity or control—it’s hope. In fact, 56% of all positive leadership traits mentioned by followers fall under the theme of hope, according to Gallup’s 2025 Global Leadership Report.[1]
That might surprise you. But it makes sense. Because hope is what helps people keep going, even when things are unclear, overwhelming, or painfully slow.
Someone once said: a person can survive 30 days without food, 3 days without water, but only a few seconds without hope.
Hope is oxygen. And leaders—whether you’re a CEO or a shift supervisor—are often the ones handing out the oxygen masks.
Hope isn’t just personal—it’s contagious. What you carry, they catch.
People are watching you. Your team. Your family. Your coworkers. They’re looking for a reason to believe things can be better than they are right now.
So how do you lead with hope?
1. Cast a Clear Vision
Hope thrives on direction. People don’t need every detail mapped out—they just need to know where we’re headed and that it’s worth going.
You don’t have to hand your team a five-year plan. But you do need to offer a picture of a better future. Something beyond the mess of the moment. Something that says, “There’s more than this.”
Vision doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means offering a reason to keep going.
2. Be Consistently Trustworthy
Hope needs stability to survive. If people don’t know what to expect from you, they stop expecting anything at all.
Consistency builds trust. And trust is the soil where hope takes root. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being faithful. Following through. Being steady.
Hope doesn’t grow in chaos. It grows where there’s a dependable leader showing up, doing what they said they’d do.
3. Encourage in the Middle
Hopeful leaders speak up when things are unclear, progress is slow, and people are tired. Not with hype—but with presence.
You don’t have to be a motivational speaker. Just say what matters: “I see you. I know it’s hard. Keep going.”
Don’t wait for a result to affirm someone. Acknowledge the effort—it might be the thing that helps them hold on.
4. Invest in Their Growth
Hope always looks forward. So when you invest in someone’s development, you’re not just assigning tasks—you’re shaping their future.
People thrive when they know they’re seen, valued, and being equipped for what’s next. Even a small step—a check-in, a stretch opportunity, a word of belief—can reignite their sense of purpose.
It doesn’t have to be formal. It just has to be intentional.
Choose one of these to lean into this week. Small step. Big impact.
Full Circle: Hope is Formed in You—and Flows Out of You
Hope begins as something deeply personal—a shift in perspective, a quiet trust, a small flame in a dark place. But it doesn’t stay personal.
When hope is formed in you—through faith, through pain, through memory, and movement—it begins to overflow. It spills into your leadership, your relationships, your team culture. And the effect? It’s powerful.
Because when people see hope in you, they start to believe something is possible for them too.
Hope isn’t a leadership technique. It’s a presence. It’s a posture. And over time, it becomes a pattern: one that influences how decisions get made, how challenges are faced, and how people grow.
Hope isn’t a strategy—but it shapes every strategy worth building. It fuels vision, invites people to believe in a better tomorrow, and helps them see how they can contribute to it.
That kind of hope activates teams. It builds resilience. It invites ownership. It shapes cultures that are rooted in purpose, not pressure. That run on grace, not grind.
When leaders carry hope, organizations move forward—with clarity, courage, and a sense that the best isn’t behind them—it’s ahead.
But before we close, let’s rewind one last time.
I had a few more childhood hopes that never quite made the cut:
- Getting picked first in PE (it happened once… and the gym burst into laughter)
- Not getting caught throwing plums at cars (we didn’t—but barely)
- Becoming senior class president (ran on “Poore for President”—shocker, I lost)
- Winning homecoming court (nope—not even close)
- Driving a cool first car (I got a Ford Ranchero. Google it. Then laugh.)
Those hopes felt big back then. Now, they’re funny stories. But they still matter.
Because hope always matters.
Today, the hopes we carry are heavier. The stakes are higher. And some of us feel like we’ve hit a wall.
That’s why this quote from The Lord of the Rings always gets me:
“Even darkness must pass. A new day will come… and when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.”
That’s hope.
Not that everything turns out exactly how we imagined. But that God is still writing the story. He’s present. He’s faithful. And He’s not finished.
So—what’s the next faithful step for you?
Because hope isn’t hype. It’s who we follow. It’s what He’s forming in you. And it’s what the people around you are hungry to catch.
Call to Action: Reflect on where you’re placing your hope today. Which tree are you feeding? What’s your next faithful step?
Then, share this with someone who might need it. You never know what they’re carrying—and what you carry, they might catch.
Because hope isn’t hype. It’s who we follow. It’s what He’s forming in you. And it’s what the people around you are longing to catch.
This blog is based on my The Hope Effect: What You Carry, They Catch workshop delivered for the 2025 Office Pride Franchisee Retreat. If you’d like to bring this message to your organization or learn more about my speaking and leadership development services, visit prestonpoore.com.
[1] Gallup. Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want. Washington, D.C.: Gallup, 2025. 10.
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Soon after a merger between two large organizations, our newly formed group was infected with infighting and chaos. I remember one group member constantly stirring the pot, continually criticizing our manager, team, and work. She never provided solutions. When something went wrong, she’d “dog pile;” jump on top, joining in to criticize others.
Her attitude began to spread; it’s like what happens when you put an apple and an onion in the refrigerator together. The apple, although initially sweet, will begin to taste like the onion if they are left together long enough. Bad attitudes are contagious. Anyway, everyone began pursuing selfish agendas, jockeying for position, which resulted in a disjointed and non-cooperative group.
We also suffered a credibility gap with our internal client. The new group wasn’t sure of our role and how we added value to the business. Our lack of clarity became a fog in our client’s mind.
I was very uncomfortable and unsatisfied with our circumstances. Then I remembered what the Bible says, “Where there is no vision, the people will perish” (Proverbs 29:18 King James Version). Meaning, people will experience chaos, division, unproductiveness, and scatter without vision. If there is an idea of a preferred future, people will thrive with direction, passion, and focus. They will experience the hope of a better tomorrow and accomplish great things.
Where there is no vision, the people will perish
Proverbs 29:18 KJV
Reflecting on the scripture, I grew even more discontented with the group’s interaction and knew something had to be done. I prayed that God would grant me wisdom and the ability to influence the team positively.
During a one-on-one meeting with my manager, I asked him if he had a vision for the group and what he wanted to accomplish. He said, “nope.” No surprise. He confirmed what I could clearly see; without vision, our team wouldn’t ever be productive, useful, or considered our client’s strategic partner.
We talked about the challenges the newly formed group was experiencing. I shared with him that I had a burning desire to make our new organization and the team a great place to work. To help be part of the solution, I asked him if I could help develop a team vision statement – articulate who we want to become, create an idea of our preferred future. He told me, “I’m no good at vision stuff and not sure it will help. But I’m fully supportive if you can help me turn the ship around.”
Over a period of weeks, I connected with my peers and asked them what was on their hearts and minds. I asked them if they saw the same challenges and problems that I did. Then, I asked them what they wanted to become as a group. They all told me they wanted to become a collaborative team, be valued as strategic partners, make a positive difference and deliver strong business results.
Based on their thoughts, we crafted the below vision statement:
To win the hearts of our teammates, customers, and consumers and positively influence our company’s future by:
- MOLDING world-class commercial strategies through distinguished collaboration.
- ENABLING exceptional execution that delivers winning results.
- BUILDING an authentic team that trusts one another and takes pride in its work.
- NURTURING and equipping our people to lead in the future.
- CELEBRATING wins frequently to build momentum.
Over time, we embraced the vision, and it made all the difference. The ship turned around. We became a collaborative, thriving team, valued as strategic partners, and delivered outstanding results.
Seven Steps to Develop a Compelling Vision
How do you change the game as we did? Follow our example and apply the below seven steps to develop a compelling vision.
- Start with prayer. I sought God’s insight, wisdom, and discernment on developing a vision.
- Look Inside. My passionate desire was to make our team a destination, a great place to work where people grew, produced superior results, and found meaning in their work. I envisioned a future where we were a collaborative team and considered an indispensable business partner.
- Take ownership. I approached my manager and asked how I could help. I intentionally volunteered so I could shape our team’s future.
- Define the problem. Our division and unproductiveness were a result of no vision; we didn’t know who we wanted to be, to be known for, or to accomplish; all undefined. We needed to become a team and then add value to our business partner, solve problems, inspire superior execution and become a trusted resource.
- Collaboratively develop a solution. Through the interviews, I listened to others, sought common ground, and understood where the team wanted to go. Through this process, the vision became shared among the team members.
- Gain Commitment. Partnering with my manager, I explained why we should pursue the vision and instilled a sense of urgency.
- Tell Stories. Every week, we shared examples of how the vision was being brought to life – allowing the team always to refer back to the bigger picture, share stories – learnings, successes, and failures. This simple act moved the words written on a page to being written on our hearts. The vision became real to us.
I’ll end with one of my favorite vision parables:
Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?”
The 1st says, “I am laying bricks.”
The 2nd says, “I am building a wall.”
And the 3rd says, “I am building a cathedral.”
The 1st bricklayer has a job to do. The 2nd lays bricks for a living. The 3rd has a VISION and builds with purpose.
Which bricklayer are you? Do you aspire to move beyond bricklaying to cathedral building? Do you want to become a visionary leader? Follow the Seven Steps to Develop a Compelling Vision. If you do, you’ll lead well, positively influence your culture and change your world.
Want to discover more about becoming a leader others will gladly follow? Visit my website, prestonpoore.com, today!
Cheers,
Preston
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The phone rang. I stared at it with anxious anticipation. The call I’d been waiting for would reveal my future with the company. I’d been through several evaluations and interviews to keep my current job. As my heart began racing and sweat beads formed on my brow, I answered the phone.
“Hello, this is Preston.”
“Hi. This is Ted. I’m calling to let you know…”
You may have received a similar call if you’ve ever worked in a corporate environment. And, you’ve experienced the effects of organizational change – uncertainty, layoffs, or downgraded compensation. I’ve been through 10 restructures in my career. I liken the process to running for Congress – every two years, you’re up for re-election. If you’re elected, you begin your next campaign immediately.
The topsy-turvy corporate world can be exasperating and disheartening. It can bring one to utter despair. The challenge is to remain hopeful. You might say, “But Preston, I hear all the time that hope isn’t a strategy.” If hope isn’t a strategy, what is it?
Hope is a general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled, a promise will be kept, or a better future is on the horizon. Hope provides internal energy, motivation, and courage. I’ve heard it said that someone can live 40 days without food, four days without water, four minutes without air, and only 4 seconds without hope. [1] Why is hope such a crucial part of life and your well-being? It energizes and inspires you to keep going. Without hope, you will begin to think circumstances will only get worse and give up.
How does someone avoid despair and remain hopeful amid challenging circumstances? Here are six surefire ways.
- Pray. For the Christian, start with connecting with your source of hope, God. Take your concerns to him and seek his guidance.
- Don’t lose heart. In tough times, continue believing that you can succeed. Think about your past achievements and recount your strengths. The circumstance doesn’t define you. Seek God, and he will strengthen you. Jesus’ words provide confidence, “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33b – The Message)
- Manage Self-Talk. Did you know our thoughts shape our beliefs and actions? Our challenge is that 8 out of 10 thoughts we have are negative. Stop listening to the lies you tell yourself and focus on your strengths. Replace the lies with the truth. What would happen if you increased the number of positive thoughts to 5 or 6? How? When self-doubt creeps in and I’m experiencing despair, I’ve found it helpful to pause and say an affirming phrase ten times to myself. It helps change my mindset from negative to positive. For example, instead of saying to yourself, “I’m a weak and unworthy person,” say “I’m a strong and worthy person.” Or, rather than saying “I can’t do anything,” say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Change your “I can’t” to “How can I?” Also, set your mind on constructive thoughts. The Bible says, “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8 – The Message). If you do these things, you’ll win the battle of the mind.
- Keep a long-term perspective. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Remind yourself that life is a journey, and challenges are opportunities to grow. The Bible says, “These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:17–18 – The Message). Keep your head up, look to the horizon, and expect a positive outcome in the long run.
- Face reality and take responsibility. Accept that life can be backbreaking. Then, objectively evaluate your challenging circumstance and define the problem you face. What’s the worst that can happen? What are all of your options? How can you improve upon the worst? Once you answer these questions, take ownership. Embrace the opportunity to change and intentionally determine to grow through the circumstance. Think, “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” As a person of faith, I prescribe to the thought, “work like it’s up to me and trust God like it’s up to him.”
- Plan, act, and persevere. Once you’ve faced reality, taken responsibility, and determined the best option, be intentional and go for it. Put a plan together. Develop goals and move in the direction you’ve chosen. Look for quick wins and build momentum. Above all else, never give up. If you plan, act, and persevere, you’ll begin to experience success. The road ahead will be different than you expected, harder than you anticipated, and potentially more rewarding than you imagined. One of my mentors, John Maxwell, says, “Everything worthwhile is uphill.”
Back to my story… I picked up the phone and said, “Hello, this is Preston.”
“Hi. This is Ted. I’m calling to let you know you will be retained by the company.”
I’ve gone through the cycle of uncertainty to certainty many times. As you may recall, I wrote earlier that I’ve been through 10 organization restructures. As I write this article, I’m currently in the midst of my 11th org change. Once again, I’m struggling with all of the self-doubt and uncertainty that comes with the unsettling circumstance. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I know that God is faithful, and I’ve placed my hope in him. Whatever does happen, I know that he is good and will lead me to where he wants me.
My friend, when faced with a dire circumstance, my charge to you is to pray, not lose heart, manage self-talk, keep a long-term perspective, face reality and take responsibility, and plan, act, and persevere. If you do, you’ll be filled with hope and succeed in whatever path you choose.
How about you? Where do you place your hope? How do you make it through tough times? I’d love to hear your story. Thanks for reading, and please share this message with someone in need of hope and encouragement.
Want to discover more about becoming a leader others will gladly follow? Visit my website, prestonpoore.com, today!
Cheers,
Preston
[1] Maxwell, John C., Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn, Center Street, Hachette Book Group USA Day One 2013, p. 93.
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Preston Poore
I help leaders lead—without the buzzwords or boring theories. After years in the Fortune 500 world, I’ve seen it all—bad bosses, great teams, and more leadership fails than I can count. Now, I share real stories, practical tips, and the occasional hard-earned lesson to help you lead with confidence. Let’s figure this out together
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I draw on my diverse business experience to help Christians connect their secular and spiritual lives at work. I invite you to subscribe to my blog and learn how to develop Christlike character, influence your culture and change your world.