By Bridget Schwartz-Manock

Vision statements are commonplace; nearly every organization has one. But what is visioning and why is it important?  If we each have our job to do and we know what needs to get done, why do we need to talk about vision and strategic planning?  In The Leadership Challenge, a book that we teach in CAP’s leadership classes, the authors write, “The most important role of vision in organizational life is to give focus to human energy.” 

We all know how important focus is. Whether at home or at work, focus is the reason we accomplish the things we want and need to get done. It is the way we maximize our time, energy and resources. A shared vision for an organization sets the agenda and gives direction and purpose to the enterprise; it focuses human energy.

CAP is governed by a 15-member publicly elected Board of Directors who are responsible, by statute, to provide policy direction. So this year, they will draft a new strategic plan to guide the important work we do at the CAP that will include vision, mission and values statements.

The process began by gathering employee input to help craft the mission and values; key because employees contribute directly to the mission.

Up next are external stakeholder forums that will be held at the following times and locations. They are public meetings that are open to all: please RSVP here.

• Tuesday, March 3, 2-4 p.m. at CAP Headquarters 
  23636 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ  85024

• Wednesday, March 4, 8-10 a.m. at the University of Arizona Campus 
  1303 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719

• Wednesday, March 4, 1-3 p.m. at the Drury Inn
  1780 W Ranch Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284

Over the next few months, the Board will have retreats to focus on the vision, strategic priorities and framework so they can build the strategic plan, mission, vision and values. The final 2022 Strategic Plan will be presented at the November 5 Board meeting and will be on the agenda for adoption during the December 3 Board meeting.

The result will be a focus of energy to guide us all and, of course, help ensure that CAP is well-positioned to provide a reliable water supply and responsible water management for our stakeholders.