Yesterday, I was talking with a colleague about her new client.  My colleague is an OBM (online business manager) for a successful owner of an online business.  This woman is commonly referred to as a visionary leader – future-focused and driven by what is possible.  As with most visionary leaders, she is attracted to what is new and shiny.

As a result, she has a ton of tools and platforms that could be awesome, if only they were implemented.  She also has a bunch of amazing course material and full-on courses already built, but they aren’t making any money.  Instead of launching these courses to create some passive income, she is focused on her next big idea.

Fortunately and unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are both blessed and cursed with “bright shiny object” syndrome.  The good news is there are solutions that can work in their favor. So let’s look at both the bright and dull side of the visionary business leader.

The Blessings

• Visionary leaders are future focused.  They are dreamers and have the ability to see possibility.  
• Visionary leaders have excitement and passion for their big ideas.  Not only are they awesome at generating a lot of great ideas, they have the passion and drive to bring these ideas to life.
• Visionary leaders measure their success by making an impact.  They think big. They stretch themselves beyond what some people think is possible.  They are driven to make a difference in this world.

In any business, visionary leaders are great to have around.  Without the vision, you have no business plan or direction. One of my clients is a visionary leader and she is doing amazing things in this world.  To give you an idea what a visionary leader can accomplish, read her blog Dream One Size Too Big – The Big Trip.  She is an inspiration to many!

The Curses

• With visionary leaders, sometimes visioning the ideas takes precedence over implementing them.  If you tend to spend large amounts of energy generating lots of great ideas, eventually there will be too many to execute.
• With too many ideas to implement, visionary leaders can lose focus and therefore slow their productivity.
• Visionary leaders are often cursed with “bright shiny object” syndrome.  Because they are excited about possibility and new ideas, you will often find them chasing the next shiny opportunity.  Not only can this be expensive, it can also confuse their team.

As with most blessings or strengths, it’s not uncommon to have a flip side one must deal with. One does not know joy without sadness, or love without fear. The visionary leader, like all leadership styles, must find ways to manage both the strengths and challenges, to reach its full potential.

The Solutions

• Keep a Big Idea Journal.  Please don’t let all your ideas fall by the wayside.  Even though you may not implement every single idea you have, keep track of all your ideas. Divide your journal by the month so you can see how many ideas you are capable of generating.  This is a great confidence booster.
• Let Your Ideas Simmer for a Month.  Instead of jumping in right away to put these ideas into action, sit on them for a little while.  This will help you determine how important an idea truly is to you.
• Get Feedback on Your Ideas.  Going to your team for their input can save you a lot of time. Share your ideas with colleagues or loved ones. Listening to different perspectives can help you plan accordingly and know which ideas are worth pursuing.
• Pick One or Two Ideas to Implement Each Month.  Let’s be realistic.  Unless you have oodles of time or you’re a major mover and shaker, it’s difficult to execute more than a few new ideas at a time.
• Post These Ideas in Front of Your Desk.  Or anywhere else you frequent often.  This will help increase your focus. Anytime you get distracted and want to start chasing a new idea, look at the ideas you are supposed to be focused on.  Bring yourself back to these ideas.
• Learn to Say NO!  If something is going to take you away from your focus or goals, consider saying no.  Resist the temptation to start something new (without finishing your current project first).  Say no to meetings, activities, and other distractions if they are not contributing to your current goals.
• Hire an OBM.  An online business manager will be your answer to getting shit done.  She will be the implementer and the how behind your plan. She will drive your goals forward and give you space to continue generating new ideas.  That doesn’t mean you won’t have to contribute, but a lot of the implementation will be handled for you.

A visionary leader that uses these tools to manage the “curses” is unstoppable.  Thing big! Create your vision! Get excited about all the possibilities! Then execute, and you will make the impact you desire!

Lori Young is the chief OBM and founder of Amazing OBM.  We work with coaches and therapists to bring their vision to life.  With a focus on execution and high-touch service, our clients are making a difference in this world!