We have been discussing Mission and Vision Statements over the past few weeks: How to communicate them, why they are important for your organization, and loftier aspects, such as finding your purpose and demonstrating the vision.
But you still may have some more basic questions…
- Are there really so
me big differences between two, or are they sort of interchangeable? - Are they really THAT important to my organization?
- How do I even get started?
There are indeed important differences between the two; they’re unique in ways you may not realize. And there are lots of tools and resources containing the building blocks you need to create them from the ground up.
As Stephen Covey noted: A mission statement is not something you write overnight… But fundamentally, your mission statement becomes your constitution, the solid expression of your vision and values. It becomes the criterion by which you measure everything else in your life. (www.brainyquote.com)
This article has some great tips on writing a Vision Statement.
And this article explains how to create your Mission Statement.
Stay tuned for next week, when I’ll introduce you to a local organization where employees live and breathe its mission and values, which are woven in to every aspect of their work.
Cindy Schneider
Higher EDge 