Crafting a Company Mission That Inspires and Unifies
The company mission is the cornerstone of your organization. It defines your company's purpose, values, and objectives, serving as a unifying force that brings people together around a common goal. The mission provides motivation and direction and serves as a critical reference point for leadership.
Creating a mission is a responsibility that falls primarily on the shoulders of the company's leaders, such as founders or C-level executives. Crafting a mission involves introspection, understanding your market, and envisioning the future.
A solid mission is essential for employee retention, engagement, productivity, and fostering a strong company culture. Building your company without a clear mission is like constructing a house on sand. Start with a strong foundation.
A Framework for Developing Your Company Mission
A compelling mission should incorporate three key elements:
The Why: Inspired by Simon Sinek's concept of "why" from his book, the "why" of your mission should communicate the purpose behind your company's existence. By incorporating an ideal end-state, you provide motivation and a clear objective for your team to work towards.
The What: This element outlines a broad sequence of actions or steps to lead your company to its desired end state. This is not a detailed project plan or a list of milestones, but it will heavily influence your organization's overall roadmap.
The Who: The "who" aspect of your mission should highlight the individuals leading the mission and their personal motivations. As a company is made up of people, it's essential to acknowledge the personal motivations that drive leadership in the mission.
Noticeably absent from the mission is the "how." The mission should not dictate how you will achieve your end-state; instead, use the "what" to guide your company's roadmap and individual project plans.
Sharing Your Company Mission
Your mission should be shared with your entire team and the public. It serves as a guiding principle for your organization and a way to position yourself in the market. By openly communicating your mission, you can foster a sense of unity and purpose among your team, driving them towards a common goal.