Visions for 2008

With the end of the year fast approaching, for individuals, thoughts often turn to New Year's resolutions. For organisations, the equivalent might be a review of their Vision and Mission statements.

Following a discussion on the merits of vision and mission statements with my Masters learning set and a review of the approach bubble takes to organisation development, I was prompted to share some thoughts.

Many organisations, large and small, have written vision and/or mission statements. Some are put together with the support of representative employees and actually reflect the true strategic intent and values of the organisation. However, in my experience very few prove to be motivational beyond the first few weeks of introduction and many are looked at with cynicism from day one. Moreover, I've seen organisations with and without vision and mission statements achieving similar levels of engagement and success.

So if the vision and mission statements aren't doing it in terms of motivation and engagement, what is? Well, don't throw the vision and mission statements away just yet. Vision and mission are extremely important to motivation and engagement, just not in the written, high-level, generalised, stuck on the wall form that most organisations create.

What is important is the spirit of the vision and mission, expressed through the actions of every employee. I call this the organisation's "reason for being". And it isn't about product, service, market share or quality - although these remain important. It's more to do with community, learning, growth, shared experiences, friendship.

An organisation's reason for being is about community and meaning, and its vision is about product and profit. The former motivates and engages, the latter gives direction and work goals. Both are necessary. Both need attention. Great companies know this and deliver the former in bucket loads.

Are there any lessons for the individual setting New Year's resolutions? Look into your heart for goals that offer meaning. They are more likely to offer up the necessary motivation through their very own reason for being.

A partridge in a pear tree

The "12 days" of christmas originated when days began at sunset. They went from sunset on December 25th to sunset on January 6th. Because days now start at midnight, in some places the 12 days start on December 25th, in others on December  26th- interesting hey?

This information has dramatically changed my life, as  i have always thought the 12 days of christmas started 12 days before christmas, so it would start this thursday! i had already got my carol sheet to hand and started getting my throat into tune, resulting in a sore throat!! - you really do learn something new everyday! 

The 12 days of christmas carol is one of my favorite festive songs, as it gets everyone involved and has everyone in fits of laughter trying to remember the verses. People also have different interpretations as to the meanings of " 2 turtle doves" or " 7 swans are swimming"

If you want to learn more about this (some people like me do!) look at the following link:

 

BBC Christmas Carols

and if you really want to get into the festive spirit and the 12 days of christmas early get singing!