We're on a Mission

By Peter L DeHaan

I am a bit of a movie buff. Among my more arcane interests is a fixation with memorable, unique, or humorous lines from films. Some phrases make their way into pop-culture, such as Clint Eastwood, pointing his ominous side-arm and snarling, "Go ahead, make my day." Others transcend generations, as did Rhett's infamous rebuff of Scarlet in Gone with the Wind. Then there was Jaws when the great white was first seen in its entirety and the sheriff intoned with deadpan seriousness, "I think we need a bigger boat." A passage from Twister produces a smile every time I recall it: "When you said you chased tornadoes, I thought it was a metaphor." The acclaimed and award winning movie As Good as it Gets has many memorable lines. My all time favorite occurs when Melvin seemingly fumbles yet another effort to impress Carol, but then recovers nicely with his poignant confession, "You make me want to be a better man."

For over twenty years, a reoccurring phrase from the Blues Brothers has left me bemused and perplexed. I am still not sure rather I should be offended or merely amused with the protagonist's assertion, "We're on a mission from God." The "mission" of this critically disparaged, yet once popular film, might seem to be simply to levy mayhem and destruction upon the city of Chicago. However, the dubious epiphany of Jake and Elwood is to "put the band back together."

As mission statements go, this one seems trivial and unsophisticated. Yet it possesses both simple eloquence and empowering efficacy. When most organizations develop a mission statement, they spend months or even years creating the perfect blend of sentiment, intention, and promise, often presenting it in flowery or verbose fashion. The result of this effort gets added to the employee handbook, printed on marketing pieces, and engraved on a plaque prominently positioned in the main lobby. In reality, these lengthy prose are often nothing but a thinly disguised marketing effort and not a mission statement at all. A good and effective mission statement has several important characteristics: 

• It needs to be readily understood by those to whom it applies.

• It needs to provide direction and guidance in everyday decision making.

• It needs to be short and concise, allowing all stakeholders to learn it, follow it, and internalize it.

Unfortunately, most organizations' mission statements do not fit any of these criteria. The Blues Brothers' mission does. Every time it is shared, it is immediately understood; it provides direction (albeit, often excessively) and it is easily learned, followed, and internalized.

Still their mission seems trivial and inconsequential. That is because behind every mission, there is a supporting vision. The vision of the Blues Brothers is to raise money and save the orphanage that reared them and has now fallen on hard times. This vision is why their mission is so important. The mission is not the end, but rather a means to the end, that of saving the orphanage.

Mission and vision, however are still not enough. Just as the mission is supported by a vision, the vision is deployed through goals. The goals of the Blues Brothers are simple and progressive: contact former and prospective band members, get them to join the group, hold a benefit concert, and give the money to the orphanage.

Therefore, the Blues Brothers' business plan might be summarized as follows: 

Mission: Put the band back together 

Vision: Save the orphanage 

Goals: 

• Contact musicians

• Form group

• Hold concert

• Give proceeds to orphanage

With this basic, yet effective example as a backdrop, now it is time for some introspection. Does your organization have a mission? A vision? What are your goals? If you do not have a mission statement, now is the time to develop one. Start today; do not delay. Make sure your staff is supported by and directed through an effective and practical mission statement; do not let them flounder. Remember the wise saying, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

If you already have a mission statement, is it the hang-on-the-wall, marketing-ploy type or the succinctly worded axiom which directs daily actions and guides staff decisions? Maybe your stated purpose falls within this small minority of real, true mission statements. If so, is it short and concise enough for your staff to learn, follow, and internalize? Is it readily understood by all? Does it really, in practical actuality, serve as a guide for daily decisions and actions?

The conventional wisdom is that creating a mission and forming a vision is a group activity, something that is done by a committee, with input and review throughout the organization. This is done to get the "buy-in" of all stakeholders. Yet the reality is that when a mission is developed in this fashion, it becomes less relevant as turnover occurs and staff attrition takes its toll. Then, every few years, as the statement becomes increasingly meaningless and obsolete, a new committee is required and more meetings take place to craft a new declaration.

I feel this is the wrong approach. Yes, you do need to have the support of the rank and file for your mission, but I view its origin and construction to be a leadership issue. The mission must come from the top. Then it needs to be communicated, not once, not from time-to-time, but frequently and on an ongoing basis. Over time it will be embraced by those it is intended to support. In due course, it will become understood and internalized. Via the example of leadership first, and management second, it will begin to permeate the entire organization and start to direct actions and guide decisions. With this as the expected outcome, make the drafting or review of your mission statement your top priority; your future may be at stake.

What's your mission?

Read other articles by Peter DeHaan, sign up for Peter DeHaan's newsletter to receive weekly writing tips and information, or visit his website: AuthorPeterDeHaan.com.

[Permission is granted to reprint or reuse this article, provided credit is given to the author and the above contact information is included. Notify [email protected] and a provide copy or link.]