The Leadership Excellence Series – Developing a Mission

Purpose

This presentation, part of Toastmasters International’s Leadership Excellence Series, will look at the importance of having a mission. A clear mission plays a major role in directing an organization (or an individual!) to achieve its (their) goals. The majority of people have not created a mission statement or assisted in the development of one. A mission statement helps to focus on what is important in order to carry out day to day activities.

>h3>Mission VS Vision

• Mission: Explains how a vision will be achieved
  • A link to attain the vision
  • Directs and governs day-to-day actions
• Vision: A mental picture of
  • Conceptual

Characteristics of a Mission

• Serves as a foundation for operations
• Explains the following:
  • The purpose
  • Everyday actions that service others
• Describes three primary aspects:
  • Primary products or services
  • Distinctive competitive advantage
  • Strategy for long-term success

A Mission is NOT…

• Detailed! Specifics stifle innovation; generalities allow flexibility
• Is not narrow in scope – tone should be broad and provide motivation

What it DOES

• Affects day-to-day operations by determining: competitive environment, resource allocation, human resources

Crafting a Mission Statement

• Values: identify them
• Beliefs: Describe them
• Goals: Explain them

Put it in writing and be ENTHUSIASTIC!

Conclusion

A mission statement should be adaptable. Revisit it regularly. When necessary, revise the statement to focus on what is important!

Rebecca Anstett: Mission Statement

To empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to take an active role in their own health care.

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

—
Napoleon Hill

The Leadership Excellence Series – The Visionary Leader

Purpose

This presentation, part of Toastmasters International’s Leadership Excellence Series, will assist members and clubs develop a vision. A vision is a clear, focused, desirable direction that will arrive at a specific destination. Its purpose is to provide general direction, and does not address details.

Characteristics of a Vision Statement

• Clear
• Challenging
• General
• People-oriented
• Easily-communicated
• Inspiring

Crafting a Vision

Answer the following questions to help develop a vision statement:

NOTE: “person” can be easily substituted in for “organization”

• What does the organization do well?
• What is the most important thing the organization wants to do?
• What makes the organization unique or special?
• What does the team expect from the organization?
• What makes the team feel good about the organization?
• Willingness to achieve the vision.
• Control their own futures. A leader provides team members some control over their own futures by soliciting their input.
• Fosters cooperation and collaboration. Team members will be more aware that they can achieve the vision through cooperation and collaboration, which will make them a better team.

Communicating a Vision

• Talk about the vision all the time. Discuss it whenever possible, informally in conversations and formally in meetings, conferences, and publications. Describe the vision and why it is important.
• Explain how it will benefit them. People are more likely to support something if they will personally benefit in some way.
• Be enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is contagious.
• Show that you mean it. A leader’s action must be consistent with the vision. Actions show others the leader is intent on achieving the mission.

Conclusion

A vision is evolutionary. If an organization is to survive and grow, it will periodically need to update its vision. Changes can be swift and unexpected – opportunities arise, new technologies are developed. A leader that knows where an organization is going will be able to spot opportunities, use them, and benefit.