How to create a team vision statement for your business

In last month's Unlocking Potential newsletter we discussed the importance of a vision statement, but have you ever wondered how to create a team vision statement to map out your organisation’s next steps? Or perhaps you’ve been wanting to get started but need a little bit of support? Here at PANDEK Group, we take visioning very seriously, so continue reading for our tips on how to create a team vision statement for your organisation.

First things first though, it’s worth explaining that creating a strong vision statement serves as the foundation for your company’s infrastructure. It shares the long-term goals, produces a narrative for marketing, and creates a strategic framework, providing direction to make decisions for long-term success. It also builds alignment and connection between the business and its people. However, creating a vision for your business takes time and dedication.  

 DON’T DELAY 

A vision statement can be created regardless of your business’s age or size, but we recommend you develop one early. Doing so allows you to reset business strategies and make smarter decisions while your company grows and develops.   

FOCUS ON YOURSELF 

It might be tempting to look at how others create a team vision, but this can be counterproductive as you will end up with preconceived plans. Instead, try to enter the vision statement writing process with a blank slate. This will help you develop and articulate something truly unique to your organisation. Remember, you know your organisation best and creating a team vision works best when it relates to your business.  

CHOOSE WHO WILL BE A PART OF CREATING THE TEAM VISION 

The people at your organisation, from management to employees, should have an input in the visioning process. It is therefore a good idea to listen carefully to them, appreciate their hopes and attend to their needs. If you are an early-stage business, this will be you and any founding team members. If you are further along in your development, this could mean a range of employees that are not necessarily involved with management.   

KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE 

You don’t want to bombard or overcomplicate the process by adding lots of detailed information. Research suggests between 11 and 22 words suffices to ensure it can be remembered with ease. By keeping things simple, you help everyone to have a clear idea of the company direction. 

THINK BIG AND FOCUS ON THE LONG-TERM 

Use this to speak about your highest goals. Your team vision acts as a lens into the future, pinpointing the fundamental outcomes of your ambition and foresight. Be honest but also audacious about how much you want to succeed.  

MAKE IT SPECIFIC TO YOUR ORGANISATION 

Use words and goals that would inspire the team. This shouldn’t be a team vision statement that any old company can use.   

GIVE YOUR TEAM VISION STATEMENT PROMINENT PLACEMENT IN THE WORKSPACE 

Actively commit to your vision statement. You can do this by using it in your branding, internal and external communications, referencing it during strategy workshops or as a framework to kick off the new quarter.  

CREATE A SHARED VISION 

If the vision only resonates with the authors, it will not be very effective at guiding and driving the organisation. In order to drive employee engagement with this, you must make sure employees in line with it. Clients or customers can see when an employee shares the vision. So, consider incentivising employees; for example, reward them when you see them exemplifying the team vision.   

REVISIT YOUR VISION STATEMENT REGULARLY 

A common misconception about vision statements is that the work is finished once they are completed. A vision statement needs to evolve with the business. It must continue to create new pathways as you accomplish goals or pivot your brand.   

THE BOTTOM LINE  

Your company has big aspirations, and you should find excitement in writing those down for all to see. It may take some time to create, communicate, and integrate into an organisation, but there will be significant benefits when done right. We hope you found this article helpful and advise that you use the above tips for writing and revising your vision statement as frequently as needed. Below we have included some team vision example questions that you can answer to help you get started.   

• A history book is writing a chapter on your company. What do you want it to be remembered for?   
• Your company has won a national award, what was the award for?  
• You are retiring and want to sell your shares in the company. How do you describe what the business is to potential buyers?  
• In what ways has the company impacted the community and industry at large?  

Answering these will allow you to visualise the future of your business and articulate your most audacious goals. However, for a more detailed insight, PANDEK offers workshops, coaching and facilitation sessions. 

FOR INQUIRIES, PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@PANDEK.ORG OR   

BOOK A FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION AT HTTPS://PANDEK.ORG/.  

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