Does your organization have a vision statement that is just words on a website or hanging on a wall? If so, do you have an idea why the vision is empty, not "real"? Why it isn't compelling or engaging you or your peers to pursue it? Where do you think it has failed?
By the same token, does your organization have a living, viable vision that you and your peers have internalized and are actively pursuing? What are the driving forces behind the strength of your organization's vision? In other words, what makes it "real?"
I enjoy this discussion prompt as I thought about my companies vision statement before beginning this MGMT 6803, and of course, these past eight weeks. A year and a half ago, our company transitioned from a "vision statement" that was, in fact, just words on a website. My peers didn't seem to know or live the vision. However, the statement evolved into something that our C-Level leaders very much believe in, reminding us through their words and actions.
I work for a women's healthcare medical device company. Our vision is "Healthy women, babies, and families." In the past 18 months, here are some of the actions I've witnessed senior leadership take, supporting our shared vision:
-Company Acquisition: Purchased medical device technology that enables safer c-section delivery when a deeply impacted head presents at delivery (roughly 4% of deliveries). Reduces trauma to both mother and baby; decreases fetal morbidity.
-Philanthropy: Corporate Partnership with March of Dimes, whose mission, "Healthy Moms. Strong Babies."
-C-Level Communication: Without exaggeration, within every company-wide email sent, a mention of our vision is included.
-Employee Resource Groups - African American ERG & Women's Impact Network: ERG groups have sponsored physician-led virtual events promoting healthy women, babies, and families.
-Swag: Business cards, cell phone cases, Nalgene bottles that each remind us of our shared vision of "Healthy women, babies, and families."
Our C-Level leadership has done a terrific job of ensuring everyone at our organization is aware of our service-oriented purpose. I wonder how many of my fellow employees appreciate the scope of our organization's action in realizing our vision.
Posted 3/8/2021