What’s the definition of Mission…of Vision…of Values?

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What’s the definition of Mission…of Vision…of Values?

Mission is your organization’s fundamental purpose. It’s why you exist as a company. It’s your sole reason for being. For example, The United Way’s mission is to improve people’s lives by empowering and equipping the community to meet needs. For Peruvian Connection, its mission entails selling high-end, hand tailored clothing to improve the lives of South Americans through better health, education and a healthy environment. And Coca-Cola states that it “exists to benefit and refresh everyone it touches.” In each instance, the company is built around its mission statement.

Vision is your view for the future…where you want to be, what you want to become. It is your long-range goal, what you are working toward. Vision is closely related to dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” If leaders fail to dream big dreams, then a company is destined to never attain greatness. The Pygmalion Effect – or self-fulfilling prophecy – reminds us that we will only rise to the level of expectations laid upon us.

Values are the beliefs that govern your behavior as an organization. For example, companies that place a high value on family might establish on-site day care or adult care facilities. Organizations that place a high value on social responsibility might refuse to do business in certain third world countries due to their unjust labor laws even though they could realize great cost savings. Company values can be so strong as to even outrank earnings in importance.



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