7. Establish Your Unwavering Vision
We are going to provide the best customer experience and give the best service around and we won’t overcharge for it, is an example of a garbage vision statement. Throw it away and start over.
“To the person who does not know where he wants to go there is no favorable wind”
Seneca
Everyone that does what you do, provides the best customer service and the best end product at a competitive price. No one goes into business to offer overpriced, shoddy workmanship. Well, maybe some people do, but not you. You need a vision statement that really captures that big bright guiding star. The star that you can point to over and over again as to where you’re going and why it matters. Then develop your mission-critical statement of how you’re going to get everyone there.
Don’t tie your vision to something only you can relate to. For example: “We will carry on the legacy of my father that founded this company by…” Don’t get me wrong, drawing strength from honoring family is powerful and beautiful, but that’s your inspiration. It can be challenging to inspire others to get up early and work hard for you so they can someday work for your kids. If you don’t have a stated vision, your employees will interpret their own so make sure your employees know why they are being asked to give their time and efforts to your organization.