How to Make a Statement

What is a Vision Statement? “A guiding image of success” (Allison & Kaye, 2005) What does success LOOK like?

Different from the Mission Statement Mission statement: why does the organization exist and what programs does it offer? IE, vision = what do we want; mission = why & how will we get there?

The Vision Statement Should…

Vision Statements Today Empower people through great software anytime, anyplace, and on any device. --Microsoft

Vision Statements Today May we touch every household, workplace and organization with highly-skilled and impassioned professionals. May we always be the trusted pacesetter and organization of choice in readiness and response. May we exceed the expectations of our culturally diverse community. May we uphold an environment that engages individuals with genuine concern and enthusiasm... We strive for this excellence with humanity and compassion as the ideals that set us apart. --Red Cross

Vision Statements Today To experience the emotions of winning and crushing the competition. --Nike

Vision Statements Today We will be a national leader that provides outstanding programs and opportunities, continually developing the potential and meeting the unique needs of each and every student. We will prepare productive members of society in a safe, challenging, and nurturing environment through collaboration with families and our community. --WJCC Schools

Vision Statements Today To achieve sustainable growth, we have established a Vision with clear goals: People: Being a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be. Planet: Being a responsible global citizen that makes a difference. Portfolio: Bringing to the world a portfolio of beverage brands that anticipate and satisfy peoples' desires and needs. Partners: Nurturing a winning network of partners and building mutual loyalty. Profit: Maximizing return to shareowners while being mindful of our overall responsibilities. --Coca Cola Company

Vision Statements Today We will ignite in our students a love of learning and instill a sense of responsibility and civic duty that will give our graduates the knowledge and confidence to engage as responsible leaders and citizens in their communities, the nation, and the world. --Christopher Newport University

Vision Statements Today The vision of the ASPCA is that the United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness. --American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Read the vision statements in your group. What are the SIMILARITIES? What are the DIFFERENCES? Be ready to report out.

Creating a Vision Statement First you need…PASSION. In order to inspire, it has to be something that you care about.

Creating a Vision Statement Look to your PAST. El Sawy study: CEOs who thought about their past first were more engaged in longer term future planning (Kouzes & Posner, 2002)

Creating a Vision Statement IMAGINE the possibilities.

Creating a Vision Statement Create an IMAGE of the future.

Now YOU try it. You are the new leaders of a public middle school. This school is in an urban environment in Virginia. You are department chairs or directors in a medium sized, highly residential, public liberal arts college struggling with enrollment. Look at the information contained in your packet about the school and decide on a new Vision Statement for your school.

About Your School Grades 6, 7, 8 1,154 students 13% Special Education 10% Talented & Gifted 42% Economically Disadvantaged 69 Faculty, 16 Support Staff

Decision Making Tools Color Coding Purpose: shows concerns or priorities are of most interest to which participants Use when you have choices or many options Weighted Voting Purpose: provides a measure of relative importance placed on concerns or priorities by participants Use when you have competing or unequal priorities