Discover the power of Simon Sinek's "Why, How, What" and why a clear vision, mission and core values are essential for business success. In this blog, we explore why it is critical to establish a good strategy for these elements and how to integrate them into your organization's day-to-day operations.
A business without purpose is like a ship without a compass. Vision, mission and core values serve as the guiding stars that set a company's course. The vision is the ideal picture of the future, the dot on the horizon that inspires and encourages growth. The mission defines the organization's right to exist and clearly states the value the company wants to provide to the outside world.
When creating a mission statement, it is critical to emphasize how your organization wants to contribute to the needs of customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. This is the core of your existence and should reflect your unique identity.
Core values are the principles and standards that you want to deal with internally and externally. They define the culture and ethics of your organization.
Tip #1: It's important to do an annual strategy exercise, especially if you want to introduce new products or services, enter markets or address changing circumstances. This will help you stay sharp and relevant in a constantly changing world.
Tip #2: When formulating your vision, mission and core values, it is wise to create a preliminary version with the management team and then include employees from all departments. Creating a final version based on different perspectives and insights ensures a broad-based strategy that everyone understands and embraces.
A good story around your vision is crucial to make it live within your organization. It must connect with the reality of your employees and inspire them to actively contribute to achieving the set goals.
Tip 3: Once your vision, mission and core values have been established, it is important to translate them into an internal and external communication plan. How do you ensure that they are lived out on a daily basis and integrated into each employee's work? How do you give feedback, compliment or make corrective calls? Also consider the use of your core values in interiors, are the values visible in the production hall or office or in clothing or through means of transportation? Do the core values appear in your employer branding? Reward employees who actively commit to living these values and also implement them in your onboarding for new staff.
TIP 4: Translate them into an external communication plan.
Through social media, in your offers to customers or in your negotiations with suppliers. Get everyone involved in implementing your mission.
However, the danger lies in not actually implementing your vision and core values. A beautiful vision on paper without follow-up in practice leads to cynicism internally and undermines credibility externally. Avoid phrases internally such as: "There is a gap between what we really are and what we say we are in our vision. It is essential to put your words into action and let your vision live in everything you do. Don't let it be hollow words full of bureaucracy required for in your Management meetings but live it every day so that every employee, customer, supplier becomes animated about why you do what you do.
At The Art of Growing, we understand the importance of a strong vision, mission and core values. If you don't yet have a clear strategy for these elements or need help implementing them into your corporate culture, we're here for you. Book a strategy session with our team now and discover how to harness the power of "Why, How, What" to take your company to new heights. Together we'll set the compass back right and start the journey to a successful future!