Why should I create a team vision statement?
One of the best things about working for a diverse company is the sheer variety of personalities, opinions, and approaches on display. It’s what makes every company unique and every day a challenge, and lets us learn from those around us.
But amongst this melting pot of styles and identities, there needs to be clarity and cohesion; this is why a team vision statement is so important. With a unified vision statement, managers and leaders can bring the skills and methods of their employees together.
Read on to learn how to write a vision statement designed to give your team real purpose and direction for the future.
Quick links:
– What is the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement?
– Why is a vision statement important?
– How to create a team vision statement
– Examples of team vision statements
What is a vision statement?
A vision statement is a short description of an organisation or team’s aspirations and the impact it strives to create. In this regard, it gives employees something to focus their efforts on, lays the foundation for internal decision-making, and provides a clearer sense of direction.
Because it has its sights set on the future, a vision statement emphasises the team’s overall purpose, which shouldn’t change frequently. It should detail what the team wants to achieve, what it wants to become, and what it (or the company as a whole) should look like after it has accomplished its goals.
To write a vision statement, consider what hopes you have for your team, what problems they face, and what they want to change.
What is the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement?
If a vision statement is what gives the team direction, then a mission statement is what drives it. By outlining what the team does and what its key objectives are, a strong mission statement defines the day-to-day activities of work and what each member contributes to the overall mission.
The crucial difference between mission and vision statements, however, is their respective timelines. While a degree of overlap can occur, a mission statement tends to define what the team is doing right now. A vision statement, on the other hand, looks at what the team would like to accomplish.
It’s important to remember that companies have both. Both kinds of statements depend on each other because purpose (or mission) and meaning (or vision) are integral to the success of any business.
Why is a vision statement important?
A vision statement allows team members to focus on a long-term goal while also fulfilling the immediate goal in front of them.
The long-term focus on a vision statement can help to shape the way projects are carried out, giving an overarching statement to help give direction to the team.
For example, a vision statement might focus on something like sustainability above all else. In this case, the brand’s vision statement will help to shape the products and services that are being offered, helping to build a stronger brand and build trust with customers or clients.
How to create a team vision statement
Get the whole team involved
Getting the whole team involved when writing a vision statement will help everyone have a better understanding of the vision statement once it’s finalised.
A solid vision statement should have the support of the people enacting it, so by getting team members to write the statement, they will feel more involved and might be more inclined to embody the organisation’s vision statement.
It doesn’t need to be a decision by committee, though. A one-off meeting to brainstorm ideas will be time-effective and efficient.
Reflect on your company’s values
Part of your team vision statement is appropriately reflecting each team member’s goals and aspirations, but it should also align with your company’s values. Keep your company’s mission statement and goals in mind when writing the vision statement. This way, your team will be able to represent and demonstrate the best of what your company has to offer.
Ensure goals are actionable and achievable
In writing about your team’s future aspirations, a team vision statement must be practical. To make sure it’s as practical as possible, the goals within must also be actionable and achievable. The best way to do this is by using the SMART framework. SMART goals should be:
– Specific – your goals need to be clear and specific. Specificity lets you hone in your objectives with greater precision.
– Measurable – you should be able to track the progress of your goals. When you can assess the progress you’re making, it helps you stay focused, reach deadlines, and gain a sense of achievement upon completing them.
– Attainable – Ideally, your goals should stretch your skills but still be achievable. In other words, are they realistic?
– Relevant – Do the goals you’ve created align with the needs of your team and the company as a whole? If not, you might need to go back to the drawing board and come up with something different.
– Time-bound – With a deadline to focus on, there’s less chance of everyday tasks taking priority over the longer-term goals your team has agreed on.
Keep things simple
Whatever your team does on a daily basis, the vision statement you create should be as simple as possible. Focus on keeping things short, succinct, and memorable.
A simplified approach will not only help make these group sessions more effective, but it’ll also help to remove any ambiguities or unnecessary words that might end up confusing or diluting your statement.
Revisit the team vision statement
While the first draft of your team vision statement will set out some form of future your team can work towards, it’s unlikely to be the finished article. Refining and fine-tuning what you have should get you closer to the end product, so allow everyone on the team to provide feedback and come up with suggestions on how to improve it.
After writing several versions, each team member must agree with the wording of your vision. The statement should resonate with every one of your team, achieving a balance that unites your colleagues and motivates them in their work.
This is a good time to invite any questions or objections, before the vision statement comes into effect.
Use your final team vision statement
Once your vision statement is finalised, it’s time to put it into practice. A company-wide vision statement should encompass all aspects of your business, so ensure that the vision statement is being appreciated and applied.
Although a vision statement shouldn’t change frequently, if your business changes paths, it might be time for a change. Follow the steps above, amending your original vision statement as necessary.
Examples of team vision statements
Before you begin creating your own vision statement, get some inspiration going with the help of these existing vision statements from some of the world’s most well-known companies:
– TED: We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world
– PepsiCo: Be the global leader in convenient foods and beverages by winning with purpose
– Disneyland: Create a place for people to find happiness and knowledge
– LinkedIn: Create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce.
– Google: To provide access to the world’s information in one click.
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