The What, Why and How of Defining Your Team's Mission

August 3, 2017
Written By Dr. Ryan Lowe

Working toward a common goal with like-minded team members is often the quickest way to achieve. Especially in an office environment where different experience levels, skill sets, and motivations exist, it helps to put everyone on the same page by clearly stating your company mission. However, many organizations' view their mission statement as an afterthought -- something to put down on paper before submitting it as part of a business plan or posting a job opening.

Below we'll examine some of the best ways and reasons why defining your team's mission can lead to greater success.

Illustrate the Why

Your company mission serves as your north star, the ultimate touchstone regarding why you do what you do. Hence, it must answer the question 'why?' Why do your employees come into work everyday? What is the short- and long-term goals of their department(s) as it relates to the organization as a whole? By putting this information into a succinct statement, it will be easy for everyone to stay focus on that common goal, and to make sure they're in the right company.

Clarify the What

Once your team knows why, it's time to define the "what." What is it they should hope to do each day? This shouldn't be a list of tasks, but rather a broader understanding of what each person's or department's role is within the organization. That gives them an objective standard by which to measure their daily tasks and achievements.

Pinpoint the How

Now that you've defined the why and clarified the what, you can move onto the "how." How should your employees conduct themselves to get the job done? How should they construct their time efficiently in order to achieve WHAT they set out to do and WHY they've set out to do it? This will greatly impact the way your company is perceived among employees, competitors, and customers.

Love the Language

Be precise when choosing the language for your mission statement. An overly formal tone may send a stuffy message, while an incredibly informal tone might not be right either. Also, don't be afraid to ask for input. In smaller companies especially, getting buy-in from key stakeholders (i.e. employees, executives, investors, etc.) is integral to widespread company mission adoption.

Take Your Time

Yes, your company mission is important and you don't want to get so bogged down by day-to-day responsibilities that you neglect it. However, it is also important to take your time when crafting your mission statement. It will direct your employees, your company, and your overall growth for years to come. The statement can change, of course, as years pass and lessons are realized; however, your initial mission statement will act as a foundation for the company upon which to grow.

For more information on crafting your company's mission and communication strategies in general, contact Energyhill today!

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