Creating, revamping or tweaking an organization’s vision and mission statements is something that we are often asked to help with. Leaders know that – although they are simply words – the right words can bring to life a clear and compelling direction for their organizations and their people. Take what is often referenced as Apple’s vision: “Making tools for the minds that advance humankind.” That’s huge! Or Coca-Cola’s mission to: “Refresh the world, inspire moments of optimism and happiness, create value and, make a difference.” I could easily get behind that!
Often people will laugh off mission and vision statements as outdated attempts to motivate employees or as empty words that do not relate to the “real” business of the organization. If that is how your mission and vision statements are designed, then you are missing a golden opportunity to bring meaning to the work of your organization.
One of the things we love about working with nonprofits is that employees tend to know, believe in, and connect to the mission of their organizations. This is something we do not see as clearly and strongly in corporations. A belief in the mission of the organization is a powerful incentive for retention, productivity, and drive.
If you want to breathe new life into your organization’s mission and/or vision, check out our brief guide which has more on the subject as well as the kinds of questions to ask yourself to spur development of the kind of vision that is so compelling and exciting that you can’t wait to get up in the morning.
What is your organization’s mission and vision? Do your employees know that? How are you living your mission and vision every day? How can you make them more compelling?
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