While a company’s mission is generally focused on achievable goals and outlines the company’s core objectives and methods, its vision should be more expansive. Often, companies may inadvertently restrict their vision, not making it broad or inspirational enough. A compelling vision should offer clear direction and a sense of purpose that transcends daily operations, acting as a catalyst for innovation. This is particularly crucial for mission-driven nonprofits, where an expansive vision is even more significant in guiding long-term impact and success.
While some companies adopt a bottom-up approach to goal setting, I believe a top-down approach is often more effective. In this model, the company’s vision, mission, and values are the driving forces behind setting goals and objectives, ensuring a direct alignment between overall company expectations and departmental targets. This strategy offers a clearer insight into how each department and function contributes to the company’s strategic plan. When employees grasp the significance of their work and its contribution to the company’s success, they experience a greater sense of responsibility, achievement, and belonging. This impact is even more pronounced in mission-driven organizations.