The 108 Skills of Natural Born Leaders

49. Create a Vision, Mission, and Values

The need for a vision, mission, and values set is well documented in leadership theory and practice. These concepts are deeply entwined with leadership action. Vision defines the attractive and credible organizational future. Mission spells out the organization's business arena. Values refer to the principles that guide action. Exceptional leaders set the vision, mission, and values to establish a "big picture" course of action. They do not simply create these concepts to become fancy posters on the walls, news for annual reports, information for advertising copy, or other points to make in public pronouncements. Leaders define the vision, mission, and values in order to focus everyone throughout the entire ...