The importance of a vision

The most important instrument of management in general, and product management in particular - is a clear vision. One's ability to define and communicate it to the team is a more powerful instrument than all the other leadership qualities combined. You probably know this quote, but I'll put it hear anyway:

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Think about it, Gene Roddenberry created such a clear and inspiring vision of something half a century ago, that even to this day, armies of engineers around the world are still trying to recreate it. He isn't their manager. He doesn't pay them a salary, yet they are working tirelessly to bring his vision to reality.