In leadership coaching, I often invite leaders to visualise success.
To see — as clearly as possible — the future they want to create.
The pictures is one of my favourite vision examples that came from a young leader who felt that others saw her as “the cute young cub.”
Her vision, however, was to become the “courageous lioness who protects the young.”
Vision matters.
Positive thinking matters.
But on their own, they are not enough.
Recently, I came across research by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen, which prompted me to reflect more deeply on how coaching helps leaders turn vision into reality. Her research suggests that simply imagining success can sometimes reduce motivation. The mind experiences part of the emotional reward before the work has even begun.
A compelling vision is powerful — but if it isn’t paired with an honest look at what lies ahead, it can unintentionally create complacency.
For leaders, this insight is important. Success rarely happens through optimism alone. It comes from mapping the path, acknowledging obstacles, and preparing for setbacks before they happen.
This is why the research highlights a more effective approach called mental contrasting.
Instead of focusing only on the desired outcome, leaders also identify likely obstacles and decide in advance how they will respond.
For example:
If resistance shows up in the team, then create space for open dialogue rather than pushing harder.
This simple “if–then” thinking turns a vague intention into a practical roadmap for action.
Over time, I’ve seen this coaching approach strengthen three critical leadership capacities:
Foresight — the ability to anticipate potential challenges, disruptions, and multiple possible futures, looking beyond immediate concerns.
Situational Awareness — the capacity to read what is happening around you in real time, and to understand how events may unfold.
Resolution — the determination to follow through on specific plans that turn obstacles into purposeful action.
Leadership isn’t just about imagining a better future.
It’s about preparing people — and ourselves — for the reality of creating it.
That same young leader who once felt like the “cub” had to balance holding a bold vision with taking very practical steps — including applying for roles that stretched her beyond her comfort zone.
Shortly before our coaching engagement ended, she stepped into a global leadership role.
Her reflection stayed with me:
“Coaching helped me grow in confidence, face challenges with greater agility, and lead with a stronger sense of purpose.”
That, to me, is what makes coaching successful.
Not the vision alone — but the courage to act, the willingness to prepare, and the discipline to follow through.
Warmly,
Christine Wilke
Consultant Coach & Founder, Inspiravit Consulting