Few would be unfamiliar with the age-old paradox, "Which came first…the chicken or the egg?" In the business/corporate sphere a similar argument relative to whether Vision precedes Strategy or vice versa has an outcome with decided consequence on Strategic Planning effectiveness and impact potential.
1. Lack of Visionary Leadership
Vision is not something that comes naturally to organizations. Organizations tend to settle into comfortable "nests" and feel their way with a determined objective to experience as little turbulence and distress as possible. Only sound leadership can entice the organization to move away from the safety of familiar surroundings into the dangers and unknowns of "vision."
2. Errant Belief that Strategy Equals Vision
Unfortunately, many leaders believe that strategy and vision are synonymous. This couldn't be further from true. Vision is the destination, the future state that an organization seeks. Strategy is the path to that destination. There can be multiple Strategies for a single Vision.
3. Lack of Transformational Leadership
Even where Visionary Leadership and Strategic Leadership are sound, every organization faces challenges during transformation that require the presence of a separate leadership trait, Transformational Leadership. Transformational Leaders are those with capabilities to respond to challenges during the transformation journey, especially unforeseen ones.
The paradox, then, is resolved: Vision must lead Strategy. There is no other way to avoid organizational wandering, flailing and volatility.