Engagement Technique: Mission, Vision, Purpose

A number of organisations have a mission, vision and purpose. The problem?

Ask ten employees what they are and you’ll probably get ten different answers.

Worse still, some won’t know they exist.

This activity helps employees understand what each means, see how their role contributes, and shape how they’re brought to life across the business.

What is Mission, Vision, Purpose?

Purpose: “Why do we exist?”

Your purpose is your reason for being. It answers the question, “Why would the world miss us if we disappeared tomorrow?”

Example: A charity: To ensure every child has access to education | A recruitment business: To connect people with careers where they can thrive.

Vision: “Where are we going?”

Your vision describes the future you’re trying to create. It’s your destination.

Example: “To become the UK’s most trusted employee engagement consultancy.”

Mission: “What do we do every day to get there?”

Your mission explains how you’ll achieve your vision. It should guide everyday decisions and behaviours.

Example: “We help organisations build happier, more engaged workplaces through consultancy, workshops and practical tools.”

How To Engage with MVP?

Bring employees together in small groups. Start by sharing your existing mission, vision and purpose (or create them together if they don’t yet exist).

Then ask questions such as:

Purpose

Why does our organisation really exist?
Who benefits from what we do?
What impact are we trying to make?

Vision

What would success look like in five years?
If we achieved everything we wanted, what would people say about us?

Mission

What do we need to do every day to make that future happen?
What behaviours support our mission?

Ask each group to write their own versions before comparing them with the company’s.

The discussion is often more valuable than the final wording.

Things to watch out for

Don’t overcomplicate it – If employees need cue cards to remember your mission, it’s too long.

Take Ownership – You’re not asking employees to re-write it, unless it is a powerful enough exercise that it means you should!

Don’t leave it in the workshop – Keep referring back to your mission, vision and purpose throughout the year or they’ll quickly become forgotten again.

If people weren’t connected when you started this mission, don’t punish them – the point of this exercise is to help connect. If they’re still not connected after, maybe some extra work can be done, but this will tell you how, and help you engage better based on improved knowledge of your team.

Takeaway

Mission tells people what you do.

Vision tells them where you’re going.

Purpose tells them why it matters.

When employees understand all three and can see how their role contributes, they’re far more likely to feel connected to the organisation’s success.