A well-stated vision and mission can be critical to the overall success of your business and brand. Together they help focus, guide, align, and inspire those inside and even outside your organization. It's important not to confuse the two nor fuse them together into a single "mission/vision."
William Drohan provides us a helpful distinction: "A vision statement pushes the association toward some future goal or achievement, while a mission statement guides current, critical, strategic decision making." Pretty straightforward stuff.
A well-defined set of core values builds upon and extends beyond your vision and mission. Values help personify your organization while articulating the characteristics that matter most. They should reflect your organization's culture and climate as well as transcend people, products, and processes.
Core values can be either intrinsic (e.g., integrity, respect, compassion) or extrinsic (e.g., excellence, innovation, advocacy). Ideally, yours will include a healthy mix of both.
Below are some basic questions that I walk through with my clients during the "discovery" phase of strategic planning. Hopefully, they will help you assess how firm a foundation your business and brand are built upon.
1. What is your stated vision, mission, and set of values?
2. How clear and compelling are they to both internal and external audiences?
3. Are they comprehensive yet concise--saying everything they ought to say, not everything they could possibly say?
4. Are they easy to remember, internalize, and articulate?
5. Do they capture the heart and soul of your organization?
6. Is there awareness and buy-in across your organization?
7. Are they believable to those inside as well as outside the organization--are you individually and collectively able to deliver on the expectations you create?


Great post Bill!
This post particularly hit home with me. So many clients want to jump right to the "fun stuff" without working the due diligence on the truly determining these foundational brand assets. For a company to move forward and strengthen their brand, the first must learn who they are and where they're headed.
By spending the necessary time on these tough questions, it will only help by guiding all communications (internal and external) and customer touchpoints.
Hey! I admire your writing and the way you explain things. Some of the comments on here too are insightful. I appreciate you. keep it up!
I just love keeping up with your posts It makes the afternoon.
Your site was extremely interesting, especially since I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Thursday.
Fantastic. This blog rocks!
Thank you for such info but I think their is a lot more forex trading secrets that we have to learn before jumping on real accounts , thats from my own opinion only
great i tend to agree with what you said. http://www.rapidsloth.com/Zerova---Hello-Tree-(2009)t.html has users that raise this topic and give reviews. i find it interesting and its wroth a read.
You're absolutely right.I couldn't agree more with you.Indeed a good read.
I think you have a good understanding of the topic. In http://www.rapidsloth.com/Way-Out-West-The-Fall-(Richard-Durrand-Remix)-(DISN164)-WEB-2009t.html it goes in more details about this and other issues. I think you have covered it well though.
Exceptional read, I just passed this onto a colleague whom was doing a little research on that. And he actually ordered me lunch because I discovered it for him laugh So i want to rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!
I have to say, I enjoy reading this blog. Maybe you could tell me how I could keeping up to date with it.
thanks very much, I must announce that your website is amazing!
Hey everybody, we definitely wish to positively invest within Currency, however , i'm a very fully beginner. Did somebody has knowledge about an effective Computer software or a excellent brokering service, which may very well advise us? My partner and i recognise, such a industry is really risky, although we two have few cash now and even have need of a bit more. So any one consists of any kind of guideline due to me? I've searched but the commissions are really truly high right from selected companies.
I am writing to let people know that I tried numerous diet software programs online and the one Ilinked to is not a simple as the author claims. Also after lurking around, I found another diet software package FREE called sparkpeople.com. it's really incredible.
Hello everyone, we would definitely desire to successfully make investments and expand on Exchanging, however , i'm at least a extremely newb. Did any one figures out a powerful Tool or a superb broker, which should be able to make it easier for myself? I and my partner realise, this marketplace is extremely high risk, however i've a bit of cash at this time but also will be needing much more. Indeed any one seems to have some idea just for me and my partner? I've searched general service fees generally truly high right from most brokers.
We're a group of volunteers who are starting a brand new initiative in this community. Your Foundations: Your Vision, Mission, and Values. - XLER Consulting offered us important info. Thank you very much!
Keep it up, bookmarked and referred a few friends.
Hiya everybody, i definitely really like to make investments and expand with Foreign exhange, simply i'm a definitely novice. Probably did somebody knowledgeable about a great Program as well as a competent broking service, who is going to teach me? We both notice, this specific markets is extremely high risk, but we have a lot capital these days plus have a need for a whole lot more. And so any person comes with any kind of tip for the purpose of me? I have searched general rates are unquestionably really excessive of several brokerages.
Hi friend, I saw your site from wikipedia and after checking out one or two other weblog posts, I can say that your website gave me the right information I was looking for about "Foundations: Your Vision, Mission, and Values. - XLER Consulting". Regards, Sitin Straskulic.
It is excellent to see some nice bloggers keeping their webpage up, one of my other favorited webpage about goji berries just quit working the other month for no particular reason.
Fantastic! Just upgraded to a new cell and I can read your webpage on my phone, it didn't work on the old one. Keep up the good work! goji berries health benefits
The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it'll do even better in those areas, but for now it's a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod's strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.
Hi I just finished going through your site and I am quite impressed. I actually do have some questions for you personally however. Are you thinking about performing a follow-up posting on this? Do you think you're likely to keep updating as well? Additionally if you have an opportunity would you rate my own acai berry cleanse website in the event that you have an opportunity?
Thank you for a great post
Just wanted to let you know that its not showing up properly on the BlackBerry Browser (I have a Pearl). Anyway, I am now on the RSS feed on my laptop, so thanks!
Just wanted to let you know that its not showing up properly on the BlackBerry Browser (I have a Pearl). Anyway, I am now on the RSS feed on my laptop, so thanks!
Superb Information, thanks for this useful Article. Really great topic to write about on my Blog. I will make a link from another Blog. penny stocks
hmmm i dont know...Book of Ra online spielen
Great blog. I like the way you have it laid out. How can I subscribe to RSS? Thanks. Cartucce
Wonderful to read!
There's something really incredible about Online Forex Trading, I am always surprised to observe populations are not taking advantage of this amazing new opportunity.I will return and look at the content on this blog - it's extremely, honestly lucrative that there is a ridiculous amount of cash to be made, you get me? Anyways man?, I like this website and would love it if you could guest post on my blog as well; here's Financial Cash Money Income Software Robot Forex Trading - Should You Use a Robot to Earn More Profit?
Good writing. This gives solid info on this topic.
I've been looking at some college websites and dentistry isn't just there. I don't know what it would be under either? Maybe some health science for health class?
Your statement is unpredictable!! What do you mean?
http://ezinearticles.com/?Dental-Insurance---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=4282643 dental coverage
we all need to comply on things
I believe your blog post was a solid take off to a possible number of weblog posts about this topic. So many people act like they understand what they are preaching about relating to this topic and really, hardly anyone actually gets it. You seem to essentially dominate it therefore There's no doubt that you might want to take it and run. Many thanks!
My wife and I are in our 50's and now we have just discovered using Google Reader to find blogs to read, that's how we found yours. Thanks and good luck with your project.
Hy ...compliments for the very informative article.I'm really happy I found it on yahooKeep up the great work because I for sure will visit for updates
Wonderful to read!
This blog is gaining more popularity thanks to portals like Twitter and additional social sites. Thanks for the interesting article check back again.
Thanks very good for report, I follow your blog. this is a great article!
Have you evermore thought concerning the processes from which a book is passed before coming into your hands? It is not a petty fashion to write down a book as well publishing it. Writing in itself is a onerous job. So why not we talk together on the obstacles and hurdles in the way of writing a book? Why don't we say on getting help from book writing software?
I'm 39 now. I started trading stocks back when I was just 24. I did very well for a while, but lost my butt off in the recent crash. So I've been looking into trying Forex. I saw a few forex bots online. It looks like this Fap Turbo Forex Robot has a bunch of positive reviews. Have you tried it? Can it really double your investment in 30 days w/o monitoring it? Any advice would be appreciated.
Hello ...cheers for the informative post .I'm really glad I found it on googleKeep up the good work because I for sure will check it out for updates
Hello ...congrats for the well written post .I'm really glad I found it on googleKeep up the wonderfull work because I for sure will visit for updates
I'm thinking of making a diet and improving it through acai berry solutions and products to make the most of it's advantages on improving fats metabolic rate. Your post demonstrated me that i'm taking the right product to assist my fat loss. Lets hope I can slim down in the next couple weeks.
In an attempt to overcome less than perfect spamming concerned with my webpage, I might type in a small disclaimer alongside the comment box. I would let the web-site readers realize that I encourage these individuals to highlight their blogs as long as they provide some respectable information regarding the write-up. I don't mind doing work a little bit when you want to acquire a reasonable link.
Thats a thorough and helpful weblog. In truth, even though this really is my initial time of going to this web site, i should confess that I have discovered a wonderful resource center. I can,t pay for to miss out on this site. Cheers and retain up the excellent operate.All the best!
Excellent job.
not for one, for all
I was searching for articles about this on Google and found your article. I found it to be very interesting. Thanks
I've subscribed to your RSS feed after reading this post! Would you post more on the subject in future articles?
Truly an outstanding write-up. I've another corresponding blog page myself thus I should certainly keep coming back to learn more. cheers for this sort of a pleasurable experience. Patricia
Being a newcomer blogger myself, absolutely essential to see a respectable blogger for something different. I intend to master so much from digesting other folks web logs and I feel that your own has a lot to offer the readers, many thanks for taking a few minutes and making the effort. Daryl
You seem to know a lot about this topic. Thanks for sharing and enlightening us.
Thank you for a great post
This really a really good write-up chum in this specific subject matter. I was speculating on if I could use this write up on my personal websites, Let me link it back aimed at your blog though. If it is an issue remember to inform me and I will tear it down immediately. Deborah
Lenen zonder BKR toetsing gaat vandaag heel gemakkelijk. Binnen een paar uur geld lenen zonder BKR toetsing doet u hier, lees snel verder
World of difference man...world of difference.
Interesting article! Are there any predictions that you might be able to voice to justify your first point a small amount further? thanks
Interesting article! Are there any predictions that you might be able to voice to justify your first point a small amount further? thanks
The recession sucks. Lost my job a year ago and still can't find work.
It's nice to see an article written by a human. Seems like the Net is filled with poorly written articles these days. Thanks
Hallo (| Willkommen | Hallo HALLO) Foundations: Your Vision, Mission, and Values. - XLER Consulting ersten Mal sprang (| begrenzt | hüpfte | übersprungen) hier auf Ihrer Website, auf founde (Google | Yahoo | Bing | ASK). Das ist mein erster Eindruck, bevor ich Kommentar über den Inhalt. Ich freue mich auf Ihre wunderbare Website online zu finden. Ich suche nach (user manusl | Handbücher im pdf | Bedienungsanleitung). Ich fand Shop mit (user manusl | Handbücher im pdf | Bedienungsanleitung schauen) von (user kostenlos manusl | Handbücher im pdf | Bedienungsanleitung). Haben Sie jetzt eine kostenlose Website mit pdf's? babb Sie mich über Aktuelles zu boechat.g5@gmail.com
I've really liked your blog...got some really good stuff.. i'll try to promote it in brazilian social media network TKS.Acompanhantes
After reading the article, discovered assorted supplementary things. Huge delight compose in the subsequent more definitely quest of those newbies like me. Thank you in advance.
Bereken zelf uw hypotheek. Hypotheek berekenen? Maak snel een indicatieve berekening van het maximale leenbedrag van uw hypotheek.
hihihi! I really like your post on Foundations: Your Vision, Mission, and Values. - XLER Consulting. My name is Am thuc, can we exchange links?
You should really considering moderating the comments here....
Adding to my bookmarks cheers, are you on twitter?
I stopped cold turkey over the weekend and it is starting to affect me now. My girl friend keeps telling me I can't handle it but I'm so sure of this I won't fail. recently I began getting aches inside my abdomen and I genuinely want a puff. I will never give in since I'm quitting for my little one. I'm blessed to have the e cigarettes. It is very useful if you ask me.
Very habitually I visit this site. It very much is satisfying to me. Thanks the author