Vision Statements, who needs those?
The 2026 cohort of the NAEMT Lighthouse Leadership Program is getting underway! As some of you reading this may know, I was in the inaugural cohort of this program, and have returned as a member of the Lighthouse Leadership Committee. I could not be more excited to kick this class off, and continue to be a part of this program. Working with the rest of the committee, mentors, and mentees is sure to be a great learning experience and networking opportunity.
One of the foundations of the program is the creation of each mentee’s vision statement. Each mentee works with their mentor to create and refine what their vision is, and then they create goals on how they can work towards that vision. For my cohort, Dr. Chris Cebollero gave a passionate presentation on what this means to him, and how we can use our vision to reach our goals and provide focus. This year, Chief Rommie Duckworth gave a similar presentation to our mentees to get them engaged and in the right mindset for the program.
So, what is this vision statement? Why does it matter? And how do you create one? A vision statement provides just that, a vision for the future. It is your “why”, it is who you are, and who you want to be in the future. It answers, where do I want to go? A vision statement provides the framework for you to create goals that enable you to achieve that vision. Without vision, without purpose, we are just a rudderless boat, drifting along at sea, at the whim of the ocean breeze. While I do love an ocean breeze, we need to know where that breeze is taking us. We have no defined direction, no real meaning. A vision statement can also provide a place to remain grounded, and come back to when things get hard and you forget what your direction is.
As I began thinking about this cohort making their vision statements, I started to think about mine more. The vision statement I made was just strictly a professional one. It was about where I wanted to be as a paramedic, and a leader, and what I wanted my legacy to be. Here is what I wrote in July of 2022:
“As a committed and enthusiastic member of the EMS community, I will be a mentor, leader, and resource for my fellow paramedics and EMTs to help them to grow and lead successful, meaningful, and fulfilling EMS careers. I will also advocate for the future of the EMS profession through professionalism, education, and networking. In doing so, I will leave behind a legacy that will extend beyond the end of my career and have national influence.”
Looking back now, I don’t hate it, but I also don’t love it. My vision has changed over the past few years, and life has changed over the past few years. I can’t only have a professional vision statement; I need to tie in my personal vision as well. One of the things that I have been having trouble with is trying to do all of the things: a paramedic, a speaker, a writer, a podcast host, a leader, a student, a dad, a husband, the list goes on. Life needs balance, and I think a good vision statement should allow for that balance. Like I said, when the days get hard and you lose focus, this should be something to look at to help get you back on track.
A good vision statement should be clear and concise, it should push your limits, and be focused on long-term goals. It should also be as the name suggests, personal. It should align with your beliefs and values, who YOU want to be, and where YOU want to go.
Indeed.com suggests four questions to ask yourself when considering your personal vision statement:
1. Write down what is most important to you
a. Define your values. Who are you? Who do you want to be? What are you passionate about?
2. Articulate your most important goals
a. What do I want to achieve? Looking back on my life, where do I want to be?
3. Talk to your peers and mentors
a. What are your strengths?
4. Identify the legacy you want to leave
a. What impact will I have?
Here are some examples, from powderkeg.com:
Personal Development: “To continuously grow and develop both personally and professionally, becoming a more compassionate and effective leader.”
Career: “To become a top industry expert and influence positive change in the field of sustainability.”
Health: “To live a balanced and healthy lifestyle, fostering both physical well-being and mental peace.”
These are definitely short, concise, and to the point. Yours can be longer, and likely will be and that is okay, mine is. This is your vision, and I’m certainly not grading it. Here is what mine looks like today:
As a leader in the EMS profession, I will drive positive culture change and advocate for the future of EMS clinicians through mentorship, education and meaningful engagement. I will balance this with being a present, active father, providing a positive, nurturing, caring environment that allows for growth, learning, and support. In doing these things, I will leave behind a legacy that reaches beyond my years that helps to shape the next generation.
Drop yours in the comments, shoot me an email or message. I would love to hear what you have!
