7/7/2017
BY: RON QUINKERT
Align Your Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan.
Most businesses are formed because of an owner’s vision. But, what happens when that vision isn’t conveyed to the employees, and it doesn’t evolve into a carefully drafted mission statement and strategic plan? Unfortunately, this is a common problem—and it sets up the business to fail.
Whether you’re a small or mid-sized manufacturer, you must be keenly
aware of three essential elements to build and maintain a successful business—a mission statement, a vision statement and a strategic plan. Leadership must be accountable for making sure all employees’ work continues to support each area. Let’s take a closer look…
Mission Statement
According to Google, a mission statement is a formal summary of the aims and values of a company or organization. Leadership must emphasize the current mission statement to all employees and clearly communicate the purpose and primary, measurable objectives. Remember, your mission is your company’s purpose and should actually inspire and unite employees around a common good.
Vision Statement
A vision statement helps describe the organization's purpose. Vision statements also include the organization’s values, give direction for employee behavior and help provide inspiration. While the mission statement is often in broad terms, the vision statement narrows it down. A key point to consider, a vision statement is how to accomplish the mission, plus it’s measurable.
Strategic Planning
Per Wikipedia, strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. It may also extend to control mechanisms for guiding the implementation of the strategy. A strategic plan is a living document and shouldn’t be hidden in a drawer. When opportunities arise or shift, revise it! Don’t forget, any changes need to be shared with the entire organization.
Once you’ve rolled out your new mission, vision and strategic plan, here are a few ideas to help keep your workforce engaged:
Surveys
Ask questions about mission, vision and values to see where your staff stands. If you find that your employees’ answers are inaccurate or inconsistent, you’ll need to help them better understand how to contribute effectively.
Decision-making
When a company outlines its mission, everything and everyone begins to head in the same direction. It becomes apparent who is working on the mission—and who isn’t—and allows management to take the necessary steps to get the team on board.
Company-wide Meetings
Regularly share news about how the company is striving to reach its goals. Not only is a well-informed workplace much happier and more productive, but this also helps the entire organization focus on what’s truly important.
Individual Goals
By analyzing how an employee helps achieve the company’s mission, vision and strategic plan, management can make it more relevant to the individual. This not only helps with engagement, but makes the work more meaningful.
Set Up Your Business (And Your Team) for Success
Need help generating or revising your mission, vision and strategic plan? The Center is your best resource. Contact Ron Quinkert today to get started:
RQuinkert@the-center.org.
MEET OUR EXPERT
Ron Quinkert, Senior Business Solutions Manager
Ron Quinkert is a Senior Business Solutions Manager with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center and has 20 years of automotive sales and manufacturing experience. He works directly with manufacturers in seven Southeast and Central Michigan counties. He is a seasoned professional with expertise in team building, automotive product and manufacturing processes, tool design, operational audit practices, procedures and improvements. To read Ron’s full bio,
click here.
Since 1991, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center has assisted Michigan’s small and medium-sized businesses to successfully compete and grow. Through personalized services designed to meet the needs of clients, we develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence and foster creative strategies for business growth and greater profitability. Find us at www.the-center.org.
Categories: Growth