You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘Mission’ tag.
I’m convinced that each of us has been placed in this world for a particular purpose. And what we do in this world is to find that purpose and then fulfill our role.
In a religious context, some might refer to this as “God’s mission” or “our God-given gifts.” Or in secular language, it might be the “chosen mission” or “strengths and talents.”
Use whatever works for you. What makes this distinct is that it’s deeply personal and not just following what people expect of you. Or even what education you got or what your job is.
Read the rest of this entry »Why do we have this very human need to honor those who have served before us?
Lest you think I’m just talking about our civic culture, I’m not. I see this need also in companies and other organizations.
It’s a need we shouldn’t ignore in our efforts to constantly be looking forward.
Read the rest of this entry »In March 2020, the world started falling apart for everyone. We didn’t realize it immediately, but a week of shutdown turned into a month, then into a year and more. Most of us haven’t returned to the “normal” of 2019 and probably never will.
Sometimes you plan to change, and sometimes it’s thrust upon you with no warning.
I find it remarkable how well we’ve survived so far. Sure, we had tremendous inconvenience and quite a few businesses and organizations were forced to shut down. Industries were brought to a halt.
Read the rest of this entry »Some problems are just a bear to work out. I don’t know about you, but it seems like I can get stuck on them forever. So I avoid, procrastinate, and complain.
Which, of course, is no help at all.
So I’ve developed some approaches which seem to help, at least most of the time.
Read the rest of this entry »The traditional wisdom is that businesses are best run with unemotional logic and analysis. And there indeed is a place for that, but it misses the elements that engage customers, partners and employees.
There’s a place for passion, purpose and story. To have your soul shine forth.
About five years ago, Simon Sinek introduced us to a concept he called “Start With Why.” Check out his TED Talk if you haven’t seen it.
Read the rest of this entry »I’m involved with several organizations for which this is the beginning of the new year. Not on the traditional calendar, but in the way we think and plan and organize.
January 1st is just an arbitrary date, right?
So now might be a good time – as good as any – to make some decisions.
Sometimes it’s better to wipe the slate clean.
Not that you’re ACTUALLY going to do that most of the time. This is a mental exercise, intended to open up possibilities and get your imagination going again.
Usually we take actions based on current relationships, current priorities, and what’s happening right now. Which is fine – stuff needs to get done. But you may never get to planning for a better future.
Read the rest of this entry »Where does your strategy come from?
If you’re spending most of your energy looking at the competition, then I argue that:
- By definition, you’re behind.
- There are several others who probably “own” that space more than you do.
Don’t get me wrong: You need to be aware of competitive moves, and incorporate what you see. It’s just a lousy way to direct your strategy.
Read the rest of this entry »Some days it’s hard to get focused. And stay focused. This can be a struggle for everyone on your team.
It’s understandable: There’s a lot going on, a lot of big, big issues and concerns.
So the first step on this path is to cut yourself a little slack for being … human. But you don’t want it to stop there, right?
Read the rest of this entry »I’ve been talking about the three key dimensions of a company’s mission. Starting with delivering value for customers, we then added articulating what the value is for us, the team.
Finally, let’s talk about how a Mission captures value for the world. This might stretch your comfort zone, but stay with me here.
The good news is that you get to define “world” for your organization. It could be the local community, society at large, your industry, or even literally the whole world.
Read the rest of this entry »
The Values-Based Business 