There’s a place for every mission-driven organization to add value to our world. Businesses exist to solve the world’s greatest problems. It doesn’t matter if your organization is building widgets, selling products, or providing a service, ultimately your company exists to make a positive impact, to help others, and make the world a better place.
For you leaders who are mission-minded, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Your mission is to make the world a better place.
Over the past few years, we’ve had to shift our mission focus to navigating in crisis mode and addressing issues around us like:
- global pandemic
- racial injustice
- dramatic economic fluctuations
- the great resignation
- challenges to world leadership
- as well as personal challenges in your or your teammates lives
The speed at which crisis came had many pulled into the weeds of the day-to-day business just to survive. Some had strayed from their mission during crisis management. There never seemed to be time to strategize, move ahead, and focus on communicating and accomplishing your mission.
Fully empowered, highly-productive teams need to feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. In crisis mode, it’s been hard for leaders to remind their team of what we’re there for and how their efforts matter.
Mission-driven Organization vs. Organization with a Mission
There’s a difference between a mission-driven organization and an organization with a mission. Both are equally important in making an impact in this world.
Mission-driven organizations allow the mission to set the course and trajectory for the organization. In fact, the organization and the products get better because the mission demands it of them.
For example, there’s one research center that I know that has a mission of creating a cancer-free world. Every day the members of that organization chases that mission. Every person that would get diagnosed with cancer would drive them to find solutions. And every person that has beat cancer would fuel their fire believing their mission is possible and keep going.
But now, organizations who have a mission also create a culture to make an impact in this world.
Zappos has a completely different mission. They exist to deliver happiness to customers, employees, and vendors. And I don’t know about you, but I think we could all use a little more happiness these days.
It’s important that an organization like Zappos is getting up every day to chase new ways to deliver happiness.
Don’t Be Stuck By Reflecting on Past Success
Now is the time for mission-driven leaders to refocus on the value you have in this world and allow your mission to unlock the creativity of what’s next for your organization.
The market is different. Our world needs you better and stronger tomorrow than you are today to lead your mission-driven organization. This means stretching yourself to develop new ways to fulfill your mission. Find new ways to instill your mission throughout your company’s culture.
For help refocusing and re-energizing your team for your mission ahead, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Leadership is a journey. It is not a destination, and you don’t have to journey alone.
