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.