On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy stood in front of a joint session of Congress and declared:
“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”
The original moonshot vision statement was born.
What’s often overlooked, however, is that in the remaining 15 minutes of his speech, Kennedy did far more than inspire. He outlined how the United States would actually achieve the goal: By mobilizing national resources, accelerating space technology, expanding NASA programs, and uniting government, science, and industry toward this singular mission.
Over the next decade, Congress boosted NASA’s budget; Mercury and Gemini prepared astronauts; Apollo with the Saturn V provided capability; NASA built Houston’s Mission Control and Cape launch facilities; and aerospace firms and the military partnered, culminating in Apollo 11’s success in July 1969.
At LBL Strategies, we help leaders think, plan, and act strategically. A critical part of strategic management is aligning the organization around a shared vision and mission. Like Kennedy, leaders must not only cast a bold vision but also orchestrate the coordinated, focused effort required to bring it to life.
Drawing from JFK’s example and LBL’s 45 years of strategy consulting experience, here are five ways to align your team around a shared vision.
- Cast It Clearly
A strong vision should both inspire and direct. Kennedy didn’t say, “Let’s improve our space program.” He set a specific, time-bound, bold outcome: the moon before 1970.
In organizational strategy, leaders must do the same: define a vision that is aspirational and yet concrete enough for people to “see it.” My business partner Randall Rollinson has often said, “There’s a fine line between a vision and a hallucination!” A certified strategy professional can help ensure your vision provides clarity around your preferred picture of success while motivating your team to rally behind it.
- Mobilize Resources Intentionally
A vision without resources is just a dream. Kennedy recognized that achieving the moonshot required massive investment of human, technological, and financial resources. Congress responded with a dramatic budget increase for NASA.
In organizations, aligning resources such as people, capital, time, and technology is essential. Leaders must ask: Are our budgets, initiatives, and talent strategies aligned with our vision? If not, the vision will stall. Strategic management requires discipline in allocating resources toward what matters most.
- Measure Progress Incrementally
The U.S. didn’t leap straight from Kennedy’s speech to Apollo 11. Mercury tested human spaceflight. Gemini proved longer missions and orbital maneuvers. Apollo ultimately delivered the moon landing.
In the same way, a business strategy should be driven by achievable strategic objectives or outcomes. These strategic objectives give your team a sense of progress, sustain momentum, and build confidence. They also provide checkpoints for leaders to assess and adjust the strategy execution.
- Transform the Organization Systematically
Kennedy’s vision required not just rockets, but infrastructure transformation: Mission Control in Houston, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, global tracking networks, and industrial partnerships.
In organizations, transforming the organizational infrastructure may mean processes, governance systems, digital platforms, or cross-functional teams. Leaders must review and redesign (if necessary) the operating model that enables consistent execution and alignment. Without them, even the best vision falters.
- Engage Stakeholders Continuously
Perhaps Kennedy’s greatest achievement was framing the moonshot as a national endeavor, uniting scientists, engineers, politicians, and the public. It wasn’t NASA’s mission alone; it was America’s.
Leaders today must likewise engage stakeholders at every level. Alignment doesn’t happen through one speech, but rather it happens through ongoing communication, visible leadership commitment, and opportunities for participation. When employees, partners, and stakeholders feel ownership, the vision becomes widely shared and deeply owned.
Bringing It All Together
Kennedy’s moonshot offers a timeless lesson: bold visions require both inspiration and infrastructure. It’s not enough to set the direction; leaders must align resources, establish milestones, build systems, and mobilize people to pursue the goal together.
At LBL Strategies, our team of certified strategy professionals has helped organizations across industries develop and execute business strategy. The common thread? Success comes when leaders cast a clear vision and align their teams with the focused, disciplined effort to achieve it.
History reminds us: when vision is clear and alignment is strong, even the most ambitious “moonshots” become reality.
Ready to align your team around a bold vision?
At LBL Strategies, our Strategic Planning & Management Consulting Services help leaders turn big ideas into practical, actionable strategies. Whether you’re refining your vision, building alignment, or driving execution, our certified strategy professionals are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about our Strategic Planning & Management Consulting Services.