In the previous blog, we discussed the role of a system’s core values and beliefs in informing the development of a mission and a vision. We will focus specifically on the developmentof a mission in this post.
Mission defines the fundamental purpose of an organization, describing why they exist. It is a short statement that is representative of the core values and beliefs of the organization, and, along with the vision, defines the future of the organization. One interesting description of a mission statement in terms of length, that I read recently, stated that it should fit on a t-shirt. As an example, the SWUC Education Mission Statement is: Collaborating for learning excellence through faith and service.
Simon Sinek, in his book Start with Why (2009), explains the significance of a mission statement through the concept of The Golden Circle. WHY is an organization’s mission, purpose, or belief, the reason for being. HOW refers to the actions that are necessary to realize the WHY, and embodies the values and principles of the organization. WHAT is the results of HOW such as products or services, a tangible proof of mission. WHY remains unchanged; HOW and WHAT are flexible, adjusting to the times.
A mission needs to be more than just a statement we publish or post on a wall, however; it needs to be measurable. How will we know we have accomplished our mission? In response to this question, the SWUC Office of Education has developed the Missional Outcomes for Learning with associated rubrics. These serve as through-lines for all that we do (as noted in a previous blog), as well as metrics for measuring the degree to which we have accomplished the mission.
The SWUC Mission
Collaborating for learning excellence through faith and service.
Missional Outcomes for Learning
1. Connection to God and Others: Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and continue to grow in faith through balanced living (i.e., spiritual, physical, intellectual, and social-emotional) and service to others.
2. Citizenship: Participate in civic life through collaborative involvement in community issues, accepting responsibility for local, national, and global environments.
3. Collaboration: Demonstrate ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse teams to accomplish a common goal.
4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Use experience, knowledge, reason, and belief to form carefully considered judgments and solve problems.
5. Creativity and Innovation: Use knowledge and imagination to create new ways of thinking to find solutions to problems and to create products and services.
6. Communication: Articulate thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written, and nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts.
7. Character: Demonstrate Christian values and dispositions in responding to a changing environment.
Reference
Sinek,S. (2009). Start with why. New York, NY: Penguin.
