YOUR MISSION...

Should you choose to accept it...

Yes, the well-known beginning monologue to the Mission Impossible franchise of TV series and movie fame. 

Well, you may need to accept the fact that we have been misinterpreting what mission really is and how it is determined. 

Then you can start to determine what your mission for the next three years is. 

Let's dispel some old theories first...

• Mission isn't a long-term thing.
• Mission isn't a summary of the purpose, values, and objectives
• Mission isn't purpose
• Mission isn't Corporate Social Responsibility.

The use of the term "mission" in a business context has come to be confused with the company's overall purpose or reason for existence. The old use of a long-term mission for a company often served as an all-encompassing statement of the guiding principles for decision-making and defined the company's values, goals, and aspirations. 

It was trying to be everything to everyone in the company.

Yet, if you look at it in contrast, military missions are often focused on more specific, short-term objectives, as the nature of military operations often requires quick, decisive action.

In today's uncertain world, we can no longer have these long-winded statements that hold us to a specific course to create a new world. We need to be more nimble and have a structured approach that allows for agility and flexibility, while also helping the business evolve, stay relevant and continue to create the world they see (vision).

Let me be clear, MISSION is born from VISION.

Once you've worked out the impact you want to have on your world, you need to ask yourself a simple question...

"Who do we need to become in the next 3 years to START creating that world we see?"

The answer to this should be beyond where you are now and represent the next evolution of your business to stay relevant along the way to creating that world. 

You are going to imagine a business that does not yet exist!

Why would you do this?

Adopting a series of 3-year missions can be a useful approach for businesses that want to evolve and stay relevant in an ever-changing market. A 3-year mission allows a company to focus on specific, achievable objectives that align with the journey to its overall vision, while also allowing for agility and flexibility as new challenges and opportunities arise.

By establishing a series, a set of 3-year missions, a business can work towards its long-term vision of creating a world that does not yet exist in 10-15 years. This approach provides a roadmap for the company to follow as it strives to achieve its ultimate goal of making the world a better place for having contributed to it.

As the company achieves each 3-year mission, it can reassess its progress and adjust its approach as needed, while staying focused on the long-term vision.

"Who do we need to become to start creating the world we see?"

In this way, a series of 3-year missions can serve as stepping stones, allowing a company to make progress toward its vision while also staying flexible and responsive to change. By taking this approach, a company can remain competitive, innovative, and relevant, while also making meaningful progress toward creating a better future.

We recommend businesses adopt evolution as the natural state of the business and have 3-year missions.

Adopting a 3-year mission mindset can be beneficial for businesses for several reasons:

1. Increased agility: In today's fast-paced and rapidly changing business environment, companies need to be able to adapt quickly to new challenges and opportunities. A 3-year mission provides a shorter-term focus that allows companies to be more nimble and responsive to changes in the market.
2. Improved accountability: Having a shorter-term mission can increase accountability, as companies have a clearer understanding of what they need to achieve in a set period of time. This can also help companies stay focused on delivering results, as they are working towards a more immediate goal.
3. Renewed focus: Reviewing and updating a company's mission every 3 years can help to keep employees and management focused on evolving and staying relevant. This can also help to prevent the company from becoming complacent or losing sight of its purpose over time.
4. Encourages innovation: A 3-year mission can encourage companies to take risks and experiment with new ideas, as they are working towards a more immediate goal. This can lead to increased innovation and help companies stay ahead of the competition.

However, it is important to note that a 3-year mission should not completely replace a long-term vision. The 3-year mission should be used as a tool to complement and support the company's broader, long-term impact it wants to have in the world.

Mission is the next evolution of your business.

Business is a series of evolutions.

What's the next evolution (mission) of your business?

Dave Clare, CEO & Founder - Circle Leadership

WEEKLY CLARISM

 

Please see above...you get the point.