In today’s disruptive marketplace, every organization needs to attract, develop, and retain talent with diverse skills and perspectives. The difference between success and failure will not be in the formulation of job descriptions and compensation packages but in the ability to articulate a higher purpose. That begins with a clear sense of shared mission and values. Managers must clearly communicate their organization’s shared mission and hire people who will be inspired to dedicate their talents to it. The art of leadership is no longer merely to plan and direct action but to inspire and empower belief.
Give employees a sense of purpose beyond simply completing their daily tasks.
Here are some of the results of team members feeling connected to a shared mission, a purpose beyond simply completing their daily tasks.
- When employees feel like they are part of something bigger, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work.
- A shared mission also creates a sense of community within an organization.
- Employees who feel connected to their co-workers and company are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and stay with the organization for the long term.
- Finally, a shared mission can help an organization attract and retain top talent.
When prospective employees see that an organization has a clear purpose and values that align with their own, they are more likely to want to work there. Organizations that can articulate a clear and inspiring shared mission will be better positioned to succeed in today’s culture.
Second, it helps create a unifying bond between employees and managers.
There are several advantages of having a strong unifying bond with better employees and their managers. Those advantages are:
1. Shared goals and objectives: When managers and employees share the same objectives, it’s easier to stay focused and work together towards a common goal.
2. Improved communication: A shared mission can help improve communication between managers and employees because it gives everyone a common language to use when talking about the company’s goals.
3. Increased trust: When employees trust their managers, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. Help build trust by creating a sense of purpose between employees and managers.
4. Greater commitment: When employees feel like they are part of something bigger, they are more likely to be committed to their work and the organization.
5. Enhanced performance: Shared missions have been shown to enhance team performance by providing a sense of purpose and direction.
And third, it can inspire employees
Employees will be inspired to go above and beyond the call of duty when they know that their work is benefiting not just themselves or their team, but the entire company. Benefits of the team going above and beyond the call of duty and how it will often time affect the bottom line of your company.
Mission and values can also be key differentiators when it comes to attracting top talent. In today’s competitive marketplace, organizations need to do everything they can to stand out from the crowd. Shared mission and values can help you attract employees who are not only skilled and experienced but who also share your organization’s passion and commitment. When you articulate a clear sense of shared mission, you’re more likely to attract employees who will be inspired to dedicate their talents to your company.
In addition, Shared mission and values can also help you retain employees. When employees feel like they are part of something larger than themselves, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to stay with your company. Shared mission and values can help create a sense of community within your organization, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Finally, Shared mission and values can also help you promote a positive image of your company to the outside world. When your employees are passionate about your company’s mission and values, they will be more likely to share that positive image with others. This can help you attract more customers and clients, as well as build a positive reputation for your company.
So What?
A shared mission is important in the workplace for several reasons. As I have already mentioned, it gives employees a sense of purpose beyond simply completing their daily tasks, it helps create a unifying bond between employees and managers, and it can inspire employees to do their best work. When everyone in the organization is working towards the same goal, it helps to create a more efficient and productive workplace. Companies that have a clear shared mission tend to be more successful than those that do not because they are able to attract and retain talent more easily, build trust between employees and managers, and inspire employees to do their best work.
Now what?
How to create a shared mission?
1. Define your company’s purpose.
What is your company’s reason for existence? What problem are you solving? Why does your company exist? Once you have answered these questions, you can begin to develop a shared mission that everyone in the organization can rally behind.
2. Engage your employees.
Ask your employees what they think your company’s mission should be. What do they believe in? What motivates them to come to work every day? Use their feedback to help develop a shared mission that everyone can buy into.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate:
Once you have developed a shared mission, it is important to communicate it to everyone in the organization. Post it on your website, include it in your employee handbook, and make sure everyone is aware of what the company’s mission is.
4. Hold people accountable:
A shared mission is only effective if people are held accountable for it. Make sure your managers and employees are living up to the company’s values and mission. If they are not, take corrective action.
5. Celebrate success:
When your employees live up to the company’s shared mission, make sure to celebrate their success. This will help reinforce the importance of the shared mission and motivate others to do the same.
A shared mission is important for any organization that wants to be successful. By defining your company’s purpose, engaging your employees, and communicating the shared mission to everyone in the organization, you can create a powerful unifying force that will help you attract and retain top talent, build trust between employees and managers, and inspire employees to do their best work.
Have fun in this part of your leadership journey.
Potential other readings for you:
How leaders can create environments of respect and equity
Effectively leading different people