Strive to Become a Visionary Leaders Create and Communicate a Mission to their Followers. Leaders must provide direction. Leaders must lead toward something of meaning and significance. A Potential Victory must be visable somewhere down the road. Leaders Use the Mission Statement to Identify Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics, and Timelines.

The Need for a Bigger Vision If an organization has no articulated mission, workers see their role as merely going to work, doing what they are told, going home, and repeating the scenario again the next day. People find little if any satisfaction if they don’t feel they are part of a greater good. The lack of a mission is one reason organizations falter or fail.

The Mission The mission gives the entire organization a sense of unity and purpose. A mission provides the focus for people to move in the same direction. A mission can be a motivator which helps people strive for excellence.

Visionary as a Goal Setter A visionary may have ideas and plans which are not realistic or practical. A goal setter is one who makes realistic goals exciting and obtainable. A goal must be reachable – a mission does not. A mission may never be reached or accomplished but it stirs the imagination and gives people something to aim for.

Creating a Mission Statement The mission statement may fall into the symbolic, spiritual, or cultural frame. Isolate three important goals within the organization. Select the one with the greatest appeal. Covert this goal into a mission by giving it a broader perspective which is more global in scope.

Make the Mission Visible Create a logo, trademark, motto, symbol. The mission statement should try to inspire or excite followers and customers. Winning is an acceptable mission. Pride comes from being part of a winning team.

Imagin-i-zation: New Mindsets Imaginize means to develop fresh ways of thinking about yourself and your organization. A mission, to be successful or even remembered, must be transmitted clearly and frequently through all available communication networks. Slogan, catch phrase, motto.

Articulation The success of a mission depends more on articulation than on content. Is making a profit the true mission of any business enterprise? Are workers encouraged to become winners in the marketplace? Do they understand their job depends on everyone doing their absolute best?

When we make a profit we all win. What sources of inspiration, goals, strategies, and activities will make us winners in the marketplace? What strategies will result in the greatest benefit for all. Where are we headed? Why are we going there? What will it mean when we arrive.

Superior Leaders… Find much of their own motivation and drive is based on the mission they develop. The mission may motivate the leader as much or more than the followers. The enthusiasm and energy is catching and fairly soon will attract and retain followers.

True or False -- A goal and mission are the same thing. Too many goals may make it more difficult to have a clear mission. A mission may not always be achieved. Is this bad? Why? Articulation of a mission is critically important. A mission can be an adventure; a goal may be a chore.

One Thought for the Day! Yesterday is History Tomorrow is a Mystery Today is a Gift That is why it is called the Present This is true but visionary leaders will keep looking around corners and down the road for opportunities to excel.