Vision and Mission in Words Key to Strategic Advantage: Planning Presented by Sarah J. Holt, PhD, FACMPE

Strategic Planning Approaches Top-down Vision Mission Goals Strategies Tactics Action plans (Effective in stable business-builds on existing competencies) Top-down/Bottom-up Strategic intent Challenges Opportunities (Effective in new and unstable environment-builds on new competencies)

Strategic Planning Is a waste of time and energy unless all parties involved are completely open and honest Clarity in expressing ideas is extremely important during the process It is understandable why the commitment of the strategic planning session wanes—change is hard and risky

Strategic Planning Provides well thought out, logical framework for organization Is basis for all discussions among and with stakeholders Serves as benchmark to measure and review actual performance

Strategic Planning Should provide direction to everyone in the organization All decisions for the organization can be benchmarked against the mission and vision statements Should focus every member of the organization on the same goals thereby reducing decision-making mistakes

First Rules in Vision & Mission Settle on definition of each Avoid phrasing debates Remember this isn’t an exercise in fine writing Craft concept Involve all

Vision Statements: Truths Often gets put in a binder only to serve as a reminder of lost commitment If you don’t mean it, don’t waste time writing Should paint a picture that creates motivation and commitment

Vision Statement States what the organization intends to become Will occur at some point in the future Is forward-thinking and all-inclusive Inspire individuals in the organization about the direction the organization is going Must be communicated constantly

Vision Statements Commitment To developing new product or service To ensure quality To provide excellent customer service To ensure enjoyable and productive work environment To ensure sustainable growth and financial security

Writing the Vision Statement Answers: What do we want to become? What we want to be? What we want to accomplish?

Writing the Mission Statement Answers: What is our business? What is our primary responsibility? Function: Purpose or reason for being Relates to becoming what we want to be

Mission Statement Reveals The organization’s professional intent/purpose The organization’s unique products or services The organization’s philosophy and values The organization’s public concern

Goals Are based on achieving vision Reflect the mission States an objective States what you are striving to attain Should be for a specific period of time

Writing Goals To provide… To promote… To encourage… To increase… To represent… To participate… To facilitate… To expand…

Strategies Must be focused on a result (not activity) Be consistent with mission and vision Be specific Be measurable Be related to time

Questions, Discussion, & Answers Sarah J. Holt, PhD, FACMPE sholt@ldd.net 573.579.5999