Back in the 70’s the newest organizational rage was the crafting of a Mission Statement.
“According to David (1989), the link to the business environment was facilitated by Peter Drucker, who started to write on the topic in mid 1970s. One of Drucker’s recommended questions for any organization was: “What is our business?”. David (1989:90) considered the answer is reflected in Drucker’s own words (1973): “A business is not defined by its name, statutes, or articles of incorporation. It is defined by the business mission. Only a clear definition of the mission and purpose of the organization makes possible clear and realistic business objectives.””
Peter Drucker is considered one of the top business organization geniuses of the past hundred years.
In regards to The Mission Statements, he was dead on right. However he failed to instruct how to create one and that is what I wish to discuss today.
The project was of grass roots birth and fun. The company would put 6 to 8 people in a room with a large white writing pad on an easel to create a statement. They would have the team shout out their favorite word that came to mind about their business. When they had about 15 words, they then brainstormed on a statement encompassing as many as possible.
Here is what one might look like: “Our work family’s mission is to happily support and improve our valuable customer – partners success in their noble mission by delivering our best products.” It kinda reminds me of the mush my parents fed our large family just before payday . . . it was clear as mud but covered the ground.
Then around the mid 80s Pepsi Cola ruined the fun for all the future half dozens. After Pepsi I never heard of another Mission statement.
The complete Mission Statement of Pepsi Cola, in its entirety: “Kill Coke.”
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I am reminded of an audit I did using the company’s boardroom as my workspace. I needed to stretch my legs and walked around with a cup reading the plaques on the walls. I saw a brass one that read “And god so loved the world that he sent his only begotten son, in place of a committee.”
I am not knocking committees as they are invaluable. But sometimes they can get lost up in themselves in doing what they feel is expected of them, without really questioning what it is before beginning. Many a committee have gotten lost in the desert due to this.
Now talking about a Mission Statement . . . .
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