Living Your Mission: Turning Purpose into Action
“Your mission is your story—make it one worth sharing.”
Now that you have made a mission statement that: defines your purpose, identifies your key partners, aligns with your core values, is true to your ambitions, and is concise and memorable (see last week’s blog post,
Defining Your Mission: A Leader’s and Owner’s Foundation for Success), let’s bring this to life.
Turning Your Mission into Action
A mission is only as powerful as its execution. Here’s how to make it happen:
Embed It into Culture
Your mission should be woven into the fabric of your organization. Incorporate it into:
Your website and it’s messaging.
Your recruiting and the attraction of people to you online.
Onboarding processes to inspire new team members.
Regular meetings to revisit and reinforce priorities.
Recognition programs to celebrate alignment with your mission.
Quality and service initiatives.
Communicate Consistently
A mission must be a living message. Share it frequently and authentically with your team, clients, and partners. Consider:
Displaying it prominently in your website or through hashtags and media.
Using storytelling to illustrate how actions align with your purpose.
Including it in presentations and pitches.
Blog and talk about how you are doing.
Lead by Example
Demonstrate your mission through your actions. Consistency builds trust and inspires your team to follow suit. If your mission emphasizes sustainability, incorporate eco-friendly practices into your work. Talk about it consistently. Have it on agenda’s and in newsletters and circulations.
Evaluate and Evolve
As your organization grows, periodically revisit your mission to ensure its relevance. Involve your team in refining its focus and adapting to new challenges. This shared ownership keeps it vibrant and meaningful. Check in on how you are doing quarterly and move to shift and adapt.
Real-World Examples
Consider these leaders who embody their missions:
The Cleveland Clinic:
Their mission, "Caring for life, researching for health, educating those who serve," is deeply embedded in their operations. From groundbreaking research and patient care innovations to fostering a culture of empathy and excellence, they ensure their mission is lived every day across clinical practice, education, and outreach.
The Mayo Clinic:
Their mission, “To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being,” guides every interaction. It ensures consistency across clinical practice, education, and research.
TED:
With the simple mission to “Spread ideas,” TED has become a global platform for knowledge-sharing and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Your mission is the cornerstone of your leadership and business ownership. It provides purpose, aligns actions, and inspires others to join your journey. Now that you have taken the time to craft a mission that reflects who you are and the change you wish to create, now live it boldly and consistently.
Leadership and business ownership are not just about achieving milestones; they are about creating meaning and impact. Your mission is your story—make it one worth sharing.
