Decide What Your Company Stands For

The 2000's are developing as a decade in which organisations are seeking to focus on clear missions. However, as companies grow larger they become more complex and employees may lack understanding of a company's real purpose.

Ask yourself what today's mission and values are, then ask key managers to identify them. The odds are that no two responses will be the same.

You cannot achieve maximum profitability in the business world without having a clear understanding of what your mission is. Mission statements created many years ago gather dust as your business and the economy change, rendering a once relevant mission statement outdated and useless. Review your mission statement annually and make any necessary revisions.

Don't let your mission be one of words without action. Many companies fail to live up to the philosophies their mission statements offer. Once you have formulated your mission statement, share it with your staff. It is important that receptionists, secretaries, managers, and owners understand your mission. For example, your receptionists are the first employees to communicate with prospective customers. They must have the same appreciation of its contents as senior management have.

Also, share your mission statement with customers. They are good sounding boards and will tell you if you aren't living up to your mission.

By identifying what your company stands for, you energise your employees and the customers you serve. Make your mission statement visible, share it with customers and encourage employees to live by its creed.