"Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others."

This wonderful quote comes from Jonathan Swift (1667-1745), the Irish writer, satirist, and clergyman whose sharp wit gave us works like 'Gulliver's Travels'. Though widely attributed to him, the exact origin within his writing remains somewhat elusive. Some sources suggest it may be from his delightfully named collection "Thoughts on Various Subjects".

This quote speaks directly to one of the key qualities that sets great leaders apart …True leadership vision isn't about predicting the future, but rather seeing present possibilities that remain invisible to others. It's about perceiving patterns, connections and opportunities that exist now but haven't yet been recognised.

The most transformative leaders I've worked with share this quality: they see potential in people, processes, and problems that others overlook. They don't just navigate change; they illuminate pathways that were always there but previously unseen.

How might we cultivate this capacity to see the invisible? Perhaps it begins with questioning established viewpoints, embracing diverse perspectives, and creating space for curiosity rather than immediate certainty.

What are some of your favourite quotes?