312  Developing a Mission

Developing a MissionDeveloping a Mission

The Leadership Excellence SeriesThe Leadership Excellence Series

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A Few ExamplesA Few Examples

Nike’s Mission Statement

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To bring inspiration and innovation

to every athlete in the world. If you

have a body, you are an athlete.

A Few ExamplesA Few Examples

Microsoft’s Mission Statement

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At Microsoft, our mission and values

are to help people and businesses

throughout the world realize their

full potential.

A Few ExamplesA Few Examples

The Toastmasters Club Mission

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The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Mission vs. VisionMission vs. Vision

A mission explains how

the organization will achieve the vision.

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A vision is a mental picture of what the organization aspires to be.

Characteristics of a Mission StatementCharacteristics of a Mission Statement

What it is:

A foundation

It explains:

      • The purpose of your organization.

      • How it daily serves its clients.

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Characteristics of a Mission StatementCharacteristics of a Mission Statement

What it is:

It describes:

      • Primary products and services.

      • A distinctive competitive advantage.

      • An overall strategy for long-term success.

Reflects the expected level of excellence.

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Characteristics of a Mission StatementCharacteristics of a Mission Statement

What it is not:

Not detailed.

Not narrow in its scope.

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Characteristics of a Mission StatementCharacteristics of a Mission Statement

What it does:

It may determine:

      • The competitive environment.      • How resources will be allocated.      • How many team members are needed.

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Creating Your Mission StatementCreating Your Mission Statement

Conduct a brainstorming meeting to involve others.

Write down your organization’s:

      • Values      • Beliefs      • Goals

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Creating Your Mission StatementCreating Your Mission Statement

Prioritize each value, belief and goal.

Write a draft of your mission statement.

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Creating Your Mission StatementCreating Your Mission Statement

Ask after each draft:     

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• Does this mission clearly depict what the organization values and believes?

• Does this mission portray the goals of the organization?

• Does this mission cause those involved with the organization to positively act?

Communicating the MissionCommunicating the Mission

Put it in writing. Talk about the mission all

the time. Explain the benefits. Be enthusiastic about the

mission. Describe how specific activities

achieve the mission.

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ConclusionConclusion

“Reduce your plan to writing. The moment you complete this you will have definitely given concrete form to the intangible desire.”

– Napoleon Hill

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