Difference Between Mission and Vision

Hand on Letter blocks that spelled Mission being changed to vision

Written by chellie

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Corporate Culture | workplace culture

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July 12, 2023

In the world of business, leaders often talk about the importance of defining a company’s mission and vision. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two different things. A company’s mission is a statement that describes the organization’s purpose and the actions it takes to achieve that purpose. A company’s vision, on the other hand, is a statement that describes what the organization wants to become in the future. Both are important for a company to have, but when it comes to building a culture, it is the vision that leaders should focus on. That’s why it’s the “V” in my V.A.L.U.E. Culture formula.

A company’s vision is the guiding force that shapes its culture. When leaders have a clear vision for what they want their company to become, it gives them a direction to follow and a set of principles to guide them. This, in turn, shapes the company’s culture and influences the behaviors and attitudes of its employees.

For example, let’s say a company’s vision is to become the most customer-centric business in its industry. This vision would shape the company’s culture by putting a strong focus on customer service and creating a customer-centric mindset among its employees. This could lead to the company adopting a set of core values that reflect this vision, such as putting the customer first, listening to customer feedback, and constantly improving the customer experience.

In contrast, if the company’s vision was solely focused on profits or market share, the culture would likely be shaped around achieving those goals at any cost, which could lead to unethical or questionable business practices.

When a company has a strong vision that aligns with the core values of its leaders and employees, it creates a sense of purpose that goes beyond just making money. It helps to create a sense of belonging among employees, giving them something to rally around and work towards. It also attracts like-minded individuals who share the same values and are passionate about the same things.

Here are some key reasons why leaders should focus on vision when building a culture:

Provides direction and purpose: A clear vision helps to provide direction and purpose for the company and its employees. It gives them a sense of where they are going and what they are working towards.
Attracts like-minded individuals: A strong vision that aligns with the values of its leaders and employees will attract like-minded individuals who share the same values and are passionate about the same things. This can lead to a more cohesive and productive team.
Shapes the company’s culture: A strong vision helps to shape the company’s culture and the behaviors and attitudes of its employees. This, in turn, can lead to better decision-making, stronger relationships with customers and suppliers, and a more positive work environment.
Inspires innovation: When employees are inspired by a company’s vision, they are more likely to be innovative and come up with new and better ways of doing things. This can lead to new products or services, improved processes, and increased competitiveness.

So, how can leaders develop a strong vision that aligns with the culture they want to create? Here are some key steps:

Understand your values: Before you can develop a vision, you need to understand your values. What is important to you as a leader, and what are the core values of your organization? These values will help to shape your vision.
Involve others: Don’t develop a vision in a vacuum. Involve your team and other stakeholders in the process. This will help to create buy-in and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
Be specific: Your vision should be specific and measurable. It should describe what you want your company to become and provide a roadmap for how to get there.
Communicate it clearly: Once you have developed your vision, communicate it clearly and consistently to your team and stakeholders. This will help to inspire and motivate them to work towards the vision. Clear communication ensures that everyone understands the direction and purpose of the organization, fostering a sense of unity and shared commitment.
Lead by example: As a leader, it’s crucial to embody the vision you’ve developed. Your actions should align with the values and goals outlined in the vision statement. By consistently demonstrating the desired behaviors and work ethic, you set the standard for others to follow. Leading by example builds trust, credibility, and encourages others to embrace the vision.
Adapt and refine: Vision is not a static concept; it evolves with the changing dynamics of the organization and its external environment. Regularly review and assess the progress towards the vision, seeking feedback from your team and stakeholders. Be open to adapting and refining the vision as needed, while staying true to the core values. This flexibility allows for agility and ensures that the vision remains relevant and impactful.

Developing a strong vision that aligns with the desired culture requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach. By understanding your values, involving others, being specific, communicating clearly, leading by example, creating a supportive environment, adapting and refining, and celebrating successes, leaders can foster a sense of purpose and direction that propels the organization towards its goals. A compelling vision combined with effective leadership can inspire individuals and teams to achieve remarkable outcomes and create a culture that thrives.