A strong vision statement will provide direction for your team
My definition of a vision statement is that it clearly describes the ‘change you want to create’. Simple!
For context, from the previous two parts of this series you now have the tools to:
- Dedicate sufficient time and resources to your workshop planning session
- Get participants primed for the experience
Now it’s time to decide, “do we really need a vision statement” or can you crack on without one?
The case for a strong vision statement
- It will identify what your team is aiming or striving for
- It can become a tool for assessing what activities they should become involved in
- It can unite, excite and motivate a team
The case against
- Perceived as being arduous to develop
- Unsure if people pay attention to them anyway
- Can be either fluffy or cumbersome
My observation is that there is value in developing a vision statement when it is:
- Tangible and attainable (you can see what achieving it looks like and feels like)
- Exciting (it’s worth the effort)
- Easily understood (especially by those whose support you need)
Example vision statements
Here are three examples from workshops that I’ve facilitated that hit the mark.
Vision | Group |
A vibrant Wheatbelt community creating healthy environments and livelihoods | Wheatbelt NRM |
People and communities have the capacity to sustain financial resilience and personal wellbeing | Financial Counsellors Network |
An adaptable, diverse and multi-industry business community driving a strong economy | Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
A fourth example (not from one of my workshops) that I love is, ‘An Australia where everyone can achieve their best possible mental health’ (Beyond Blue).
In the next instalment we’ll look at the importance of fast follow-up on your planning session.
In the meantime, grab the Session Summary to help you keep moving.
Of course if you can’t wait that long, or need a hand with session design and facilitation, get in touch or book a 20 minute planning session.
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