Times are tough, and they’re getting more challenging. Is. Is your business leaning into targets and chasing numbers or motivating the people who have helped you and your organization along the way? In this article, I want to make the case for why your organization’s Mission, Vision, and Values should be more important than ever and how these elements should serve as our guiding stars, leading the way, especially when the path seems uncertain or challenging.
What is an Organizational Mission, and What It’s Not
An organizational mission is not just a snappy slogan or a fancy tagline. It should be the beating heart of why a company exists, the “why” that fuels every action. Think of it as the driving force behind what the company does, who it serves, and why it matters. It’s not a gimmick but a genuine purpose that inspires and motivates employees.
What is an Organizational Vision, and What It’s Not
A vision is not an unattainable dream or a wish list. It should be a compelling picture of the future that the organization aims to create. A well-crafted vision outlines what success looks like and sets a clear direction for growth. It’s not a static statement but a dynamic force that energizes employees and propels them toward a common goal.
What Are Organizational Values, and What They’re Not
Organizational values are not just words on paper. They represent the standards and principles that guide every employee’s actions and decisions. Values are the guardrails ensuring everyone is heading in the same direction. They’re not buzzwords but the beliefs woven into the company’s DNA.
Why Having These Components Is Essential, Especially in Tough Times
In challenging moments, when uncertainty reigns and obstacles seem insurmountable, Mission, Vision, and Values become the guiding stars. They are your business’s GPS, keeping you on track.
- Mission: When times are tough, a clear mission reminds everyone of their purpose, motivating them to persevere. It gives meaning and direction when the path is unclear.
- Vision: In difficult times, a compelling vision offers hope and a glimpse of a brighter future. It unites the team, encouraging them to keep going, knowing they’re contributing to something meaningful.
- Values: During rough patches, values act as stabilizers. They guide decisions and behaviors, ensuring the team remains grounded in the organization’s core principles.
Putting it to work: How I’ve seen it done well.
Let’s delve into a tangible example of how a company with whom I used to lead celebrated its values. At this company, celebrating our values wasn’t just a routine exercise—it was ingrained in our culture and played a pivotal role in shaping our identity.
1. Repeating the Company’s Vision: A Unifying Ritual
One powerful way we celebrated our values was by making our company’s vision a daily mantra. It wasn’t reserved for boardroom meetings or annual presentations; it echoed through the hallways, cubicles, and virtual meetings.
As employees gathered for their daily huddle or virtual check-in every morning, we started the meeting by collectively reciting our company’s vision statement. It became a unifying ritual, reminding us of our shared purpose and the bigger picture we were working towards. This simple act inspired us daily, aligning us with the company’s goals.
2. Employee Recognition: The Heart of Our Values Celebration
The real magic, however, happened through our monthly values recognition program. We believed in walking the talk and giving credit where it was due. To achieve this, we set up a nomination system that allowed employees to nominate their colleagues who exemplified our core values.
Throughout the month, anyone in the company could submit a nomination, sharing stories and instances where a coworker had truly embodied one of our values. These nominations poured in by the dozens, sometimes even overwhelming us with the sheer number of heartfelt submissions.
At the end of each month, we gathered as a company, both in-person and virtually, and the most anticipated segment of that meeting was what we called the “Values Celebration.” During this event, the nominated individuals were randomly drawn from the pool of submissions, ensuring that every act of excellence was recognized, whether big or small.
As each nomination was read aloud, you could feel the sense of pride and camaraderie swell in the room. The nominee would often blush, smile, or tear up as their colleagues applauded their achievements. It was a powerful experience that genuinely showcased our commitment to our values. It also served as a reminder that living our values wasn’t just a leadership directive but something every employee could contribute to.
You challenge should you choose to accept it:
Is celebrating your values a passive exercise? If so, be challenged to build it into a vibrant, participatory, and inspiring part of your culture. By making your vision a daily ritual and recognizing employees who embody your values, you begin to forge a deep sense of purpose, unity, and motivation that transcended everyday work challenges.
Mission, Vision, and Values are not just fancy concepts; they need to be the heartbeat of an organization. When embraced and celebrated within the company culture, they become powerful tools for motivation, alignment, and resilience, even when the road gets bumpy. Embrace the essence of Mission, Vision, and Values, and watch your team’s passion, accountability, and dedication soar.
