#MIDDLEBURY #VISION #MISSION
by Pat Iannuzzi
Most organizations have a mission statement that describes the organization’s purpose for existing in the eyes of both its members and the people it serves. Mission statements are always set in the present, and they clearly explain what the organization does while also guiding its people in their daily activities.
Amazon’s mission, for example, is, “We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.” That of the Walt Disney Co. is, “To be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment and information.”
Essentially, these statements distinguish what is important to do from what is not. This concept can be very valuable in bringing focus and direction to our personal lives. A personal mission statement can serve as a brief description of what an individual wants to accomplish in life, both short term and long term, and what he or she desires to become. It can be an effective tool for channeling a person’s time and energy toward those things that are most valuable to them.
A vision statement, on the other hand, describes a mental picture of an expectation for the future. Unlike a mission statement, which proclaims a purpose for existing, a vision statement depicts what a desired future will look and feel like if a mission is performed especially well. Amazon’s vision statement says, “Our vision is to be earth’s most customer-centric company; to build a place where people can come to find and discover anything they might want to buy online.” Disney’s is much shorter and concise, “To make people happy.” Both mesh perfectly with each organization’s respective mission.
Another way to look at a vision statement is that it reflects an ultimate goal in life. Developing a personal mission statement can help us conceptualize where we want to go and help us to clearly and honestly assess whether or not we are headed in the right direction to realize our vision. Reflecting on our current attitudes and daily behaviors can help us determine if we are doing the right things and doing those things well. If we are, we can derive important and comforting satisfaction that we are on course. If we aren’t, this can be a great opportunity to make whatever changes we need to make to get back on track.
Take some time to develop personal mission and vision statements for yourself. Describe what you want your true purpose in life to be. Visualize what your life will look like and feel like if you accomplish your purpose on a daily basis. Make these statements clear, powerful and as short as possible. Most important, make sure that your mission and vision are aligned with and complement each other.
You may find your personal mission and vision accurately reflect who you are and who you want to become. If that’s what you find, great! But if you uncover some inconsistencies, this will be a wonderful opportunity to begin to implement any necessary modifications.
Pat Iannuzzi of Symbiont Performance Group, Inc. is a performance consultant, trainer and coach focusing on selling, presentation and interpersonal skills. He lives in Litchfield and can be reached at 860-283-9963 or piannuzzi@symbiontnet.com.
