Mission

Most people do not choose to go into charity for the money. Most people do not join the military for the money. Most Olympians do not train and compete every 4 years to get rich. In most of these cases there is a greater purpose. A great reason for dedicating effort to the cause.

World Class organizations recognize the value in formally declaring that purpose in a published statement…a mission statement.

The Value of a Mission

The helicopter needed routine maintenance. It was required by the flight record and protocol. It was after the normal quitting time but the corporal asked two maintenance personnel to get the job done.

The work got done without question. It wasn’t the money that motivated the effort after hours. It was the mission.

“to fight and win our Nation’s wars, by providing prompt, sustained, land dominance, across the full range of military operations and the spectrum of conflict, in support of combatant commanders”.

The Value of a Mission

The talented young aspiring leader took her resume to a McDonald’s. She wasn’t serious about the position and her father warned her it would not pay much. She sat and listened intently as the executive director of the Ronald McDonald House explained their purpose.

“The Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is committed to keeping families with sick or injured children close to each other and the care and resources they need…”

The young professional looked at her resume and realized it was missing one of her best attributes. She cared very deeply for people and this place and that mission needed her.

The Value of a Mission

The football team was huddled on the sideline. One man stood in the middle. A coach trying to motivate his team.

He didn’t say, “This is what you get paid for.” He didn’t say, “This is what I am telling you to do!” He didn’t even say, “You do this or else”.

Instead he looked around the huddle to catch as many eyes as he could and he said…

“Hey fellas! This is what you work all off season for. This is why you lift all them weights! This is why you do all that!”

Help your organization see why they work so hard. Help them see the purpose of whatever it is you do. Start by documenting it yourself in a statement that defines that mission for you!