SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENCE LIFE EACH RESIDENCE HALL (4)

EACH FLOOR/WING IN EACH RESIDECE HALL (28) EACH PROFESSIONAL PERSONAL DORL STAFF MEMBER (12)

EACH RA PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT (28) EACH RESIDENCE HALL STUDENT PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

(500+) EACH NON-RESIDENCE HALL STUDENT AT SDSM&T PERSONAL

MISSION STATEMENT (1500+)

Studies have shown that major companies, organizations, and committees without missions and mission statements usually fail or never function at their full potential.  Mission Statements can be created and written at every level.  The goal of this Mission Statement Workshop is to create mission statements at all levels of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  Currently, the following levels of SDSM&T have mission statements: SDSM&T, Division of Student Affairs, and the Department of Residence Life.  It is our job to help encourage the following levels to create mission statements:

1) All Department of Residence Life Professional Staff (12). 2) All Resident Assistants (28). 3) Each individual SDSM&T Residence Hall (4). 4) Each individual SDSM&T Student (including residence hall residents) (2000+).

Examples of Mission Statements:

SDSM&TThe mission of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is:  

• To prepare men and women for an enhanced quality of life by providing a broad educational environment which fosters a quality educational experience leading to baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate degrees emphasizing science and engineering.

• To contribute to the expansion of knowledge through programs of basic and applied research, scholarship, and other creative endeavors.

• To utilize the special capabilities and expertise on the campus to address regional, national, and international needs.

The principal objectives in support of this mission are:

 • To make the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology an outstanding

undergraduate educational institution, enhanced by quality graduate education.

• To enhance our national recognition as an educational institution with emphasis in science and engineering.

• To continue to develop centers of excellence in research and graduate education using faculty expertise, and to further develop interdisciplinary research that involves faculty from several departments.

• To create and continually assure an environment which nurtures growth of the intellect, character, and spirit of students, faculty, and staff.

• To build mutually beneficial partnerships with the broader community.• To increase significantly the resources available to the institution.This statement of mission and objectives serves as a framework for the continued growth of excellence at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Division of Student Affairs

The division of student affairs is committed to the holistic development of students at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  We therefore dedicate ourselves to the enhancement of all learning by: (a) fostering experimentation and critical thinking, (b) promoting cognitive and affective development, and (c) conducting life skill experiences.

The goals of the student service division are strongly linked to the university mission.  Goals and objectives are:

To provide an environment that encourages student development (self-esteem, autonomy, and tolerance:)  

• To learn about diverse cultures;• To nurture the abilities of students to seek and find employment;• To provide exposure to salient social/political issues; and,• To provide opportunities for leadership skill development.To provide for an environment that encourages good student citizenship on the campus and in the community:  • To provide experiences in campus organizations;• To provide exposure to the benefits of volunteer and community services;• To provide for recognition of student achievement; and,• Measure student perceptions and attitudes about campus services and make

recommended changes in policies and services.

Department of Residence Life

The Department of Residence Life is a key element of the institution and it's success. The department derives it's authority from the part of the institutional mission statement which states "...to prepare men and women for an enhanced quality of life by providing a broad educational environment which fosters a quality educational experience leading to baccalaureate and post baccalaureate degrees emphasizing science and engineering", and from the following goals and objectives of the student services division:      

A. To provide for an environment that encourages student development (self-esteem, autonomy, and tolerance):

1. To learn about diverse cultures; 2. To nurture the abilities of students to seek and find employment; 3. To provide exposure to salient social/political issues, and: 4. To provide opportunities for leadership skill development.

B. To provide for an environment that encourages good student citizenship on the campus and in the community.

1. To provide experiences in campus organizations: 2. To provide exposure to the benefits of volunteer and community services: 3. To provide for recognition of student achievement: and 4. To measure student perceptions and attitudes about campus services and make recommended changes in policies and services.

The department's mission has dual elements:

A. To provide resident students with safe, secure, sanitary, convenient, accessible, and affordable lodging while attending classes at SDSM&T.

B. To foster an "out of class" learning environment with tri-fold emphasis. First, to support the academic curriculum of the institution; second, to provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking about "self"; and, finally, to provide opportunities for the development of interpersonal relationship skills in a community environment.

All activities conducted in support of the departmental mission shall be conducted within the context of the ethical standards published by the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) and the Equal Opportunity Policy of the institution.

The "Ethical Standards for the Housing Professional", published by ACUHO-I state:

"The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL acts with integrity, dignity, and competence while striving toward improved services, educational programs, administrative procedures, and research.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL has a dual responsibility both to the student and to the institution.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL has an obligation to understand the educational goals of the institution and to aid in support and realization of these goals through residence hall programming, leadership training, student governance, faculty involvement and sound fiscal management.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL accepts students as individuals, each with rights and responsibilities, each with goals and needs, and with this in mind seeks to create and maintain a group living environment in which maximum (the most favorable) learning and personal development can take place.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL provides a continuing program of development for student staff as well as professional staff.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL develops and maintains staff relationships in a climate of mutual respect, support, trust, and interdependence recognizing the strengths and limitations of each professional associate.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL develops lines of communication within the campus community so that programs, policies, and procedures are mutually reinforcing, consistent, and operating in support of quality education for students.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL seeks to develop new knowledge as the basis for improved programs, policies, and procedures and communicates the results through appropriate channels such as journals, newsletters, and/or consultation.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL recognizes both formal training and practical experience as important ingredients in the preparation of any person for effective full-time work in the student housing field.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL believes in the educational value of professional associations and encourages staff members to attend appropriate regional and national meetings.

The HOUSING PROFESSIONAL is aware of the political implications of housing as an integral part of higher education and is obligated to maintain effective relationships with the outside community so that programs, policies, and procedures are fully understood."

The "SDSM&T Equal Opportunity Policy" states that:

"The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment

without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. In adhering to this policy, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology abides by the South Dakota Board of Regents policy 4:4; by the Federal Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000e; by the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972; by Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; by Executive Order 11246, as amended; by 38 U.S.C 2012, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972, as amended; and by other applicable statutes and regulations relating to equality of opportunity." Examples of Residence Hall Mission Statements

March-Dake Halls

March-Dake Halls mission is to create a stable environment where all of us can excel in life and fulfill the needs of our floors, residents, and their families, guests, RAs, Hall Directors, and custodial staff. We represent these people by providing leadership opportunities, knowledgeable resources, activities, encouragement and through influencing policies. By embodying the values of leadership, responsibility, dedication, respectability and courtesy we hope to create an active, represented environment that is promising, safe, positive, friendly and homelike.

From Texas Christian College:

It is our mission to empower our residents, our staff, and ourselves to obtain personal success. We are the energy

It is our mission to be Supportive, Honest, Effective, Revolutionary, Loyal, Excellent, and have a Year of Unity.

The staff of Waits Residence Hall strives to develop an environment for students in which they can participate actively in intellectual, physical, psychological, cultural, and social growth. We strive to foster independence, pride, unity, leadership, and goal setting by providing a framework for development and support. Our mission is to model community by working together as a team, communicating in a proactive and honest manner, and by seeing the best in ourselves and our residents.

It is our mission as the Wiggins Hall staff to create a community governed by respect, trust, and open communication. We strive to be available and supportive of

our residents as well as our fellow staff members. In addition, we are committed to providing quality creative programming to meet the diverse needs of our residents. We aim to fulfill our duties and responsibilities with ambition, conscientiousness, and a positive attitude.

It is our mission to maintain a balanced and unique atmosphere within our residence hall by being creative, energetic, and motivated as well as promoting the importance of academics, personal relationships, and self-respect. As leaders, students, and friends, we strive to personify excellence.

The mission of the staff of Milton Daniel Hall is to empower residents to effectively deal with situations encountered in the early years of college and to foster positive relationships among our residents.

Brachman is committed to providing a secure environment in which well rounded and diverse student leaders can excel academically and socially in the TCU and Fort Worth Community. It is our mission to create a balance in our community through communication, trust, friendship, cooperation, education, and respect.

It is our mission to be an influential and efficient staff which strives to succeed in excellence through setting goals, bridging the gap of immense diversity, and creating a unique community for our residents.

The Tom Brown/Pete Wright Apartment Community strives to provide a safe environment conducive to learning, community-awareness, and relationship building.

Examples of Personal Mission Statements

Brian Craig Steinberg

My mission in life is to positively influence and positively encourage as many college and non-college life forms.  I will never judge any life form(s) on the basis of gender, race, creed, natural origin, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation/affiliation, marital status, culinary preference, or political affiliation.  I will always have an open mind and promote all types of diversity and unrepresentative or unrecognized groups, ideas, life forms, and concerns.  I will always maintain good, positive, and honest relationships with family, colleagues, and friends, and shall not have or create any enemies.  And finally, I will challenge any ideas, lifeforms, or concerns that are not positive or constructive.

Pete Doty's Personal Mission Statement

My priorities in life are my God, my family and my church. My business supports and reflects my commitment to these priorities.

• I will only tell a client the truth, not what they want to hear.• I will provide the most caring and professional service possible for every client I

represent.• I will only enter into client relationships where I know we are mutually respectful

of each other's expertise.• I will never enter into an agreement with a buyer or a seller client who is

unrealistic in regards to proper pricing.• When hired to sell a clients home, I will always make recommendations that will

assist the client in realizing a greater return or a more rapid sale.• When hired as a Buyer's Agent to help a client buy a home, I will always make

recommendations that will result in the Buyer client gaining the greatest value for their investment.

• I acknowledge that I may periodically lose business because I am truthful with my clients and that my competitors may tell them what they want to hear to gain their favor.

• I will never lose sight that my honesty, loyalty, understanding accountability and creativity are what make me so very different from the real estate masses.

• I will always strive for excellence through continuing education so that I may better serve my clients.

• I will always treat all parties honestly and fairly and will always disclose to my clients all facts that might affect or influence their decisions.

• My services will always be made available to the public, and I will always comply with federal fair housing laws.

• I will utilize a well trained staff to assist me in the complex process of buying or selling a home.

I share this with you because I believe it is important for you to know how I feel about my business ethics, the real estate industry and how I feel about representing you in your real estate transactions.Thank you for this opportunity. Pete Doty  

Personal Mission Statement of Miles Eddy

To perform a "Multi-Media Extravaganza" show at Red Rocks Amphitheater by

the year 2001. To be involved with this show on all levels including, but not limited to, performing music and juggling, and creating and controlling state of the art special effects such as lasers, lights, etc. To make the process of achieving this goal the base of my professional career with Midi Age Productions.

I. Near Term Goals

A. Generate income from juggling shows and workshops. B. Generate income from Video to CD-ROM conversions. C. On-Line shareware distribution. D. Produce "Learn to Juggle" interactive CD-ROM. E. Compose new music for audio CD.

II. Long Term Goals

A. Build house on land in Westcliff, Colorado. B. Work on creating "Therapeutic Juggling" products. C. Working on incorporating live music into juggling show.

Sample Personal Mission Statement by a Former Student

Be humble, considerate, honest, kind, loving, and most importantly forgiving, but wise. Give unselfishly to the needy, but try to provide tools for success as well: i.e., offer a job and a handout. Provide limitless love to my children and my other family members. Allow them to grow and develop unhindered of what I think is best; but allow them to painfully discover what is best for themselves. Set wide boundaries within which they may develop, wide enough where they can make decisions they will anguish over but close enough that they will know how much I love them and that I will always morally support them. Say yes, unless there is a very good and explainable answer for no. Allow them to color in their own future, not striving for any perceived expectations of my own or other people in their lives. Keep my word.

Find weaknesses in myself and situations and choose to improve them. Other important values I must never forget: Learning, gaining knowledge and nurturing friendships. Work and play where my integrity cannot be compromised. Refrain from building walls - allow pessimism, criticism to come in, but I will choose to learn from them, not react or hide from them

Refrain from competing, but add to other's success. Remember and thank those who have helped me. Return their kindness to others that need it. Allow my values to guide me, not jealously or other peoples' values, competition or wealth. Look at both sides of an issue before making a decision. Realize that each decision is an independent decision, not necessarily directly related to past or future decisions, and take the time to gather insight to make informed decisions.

Take time every day for reflection, to realize what I learned, what I should learn more about to say thank you, to give myself a pat on the back while looking into what I need to improve upon. Remember always that my greatest success will be through my childrens' eyes and to build and positively develop that relationship every day.

"Real success is success with self; it's not having things, but in having mastery, having victory over oneself"

 MY PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

Your Personal Mission Statement: Write It. Live It.  

Going places? Have big dreams? The first person to tell is yourself. The first person to convince is yourself. The first person to affirm is yourself.

In his legendary book, One-Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard recommends that everyone write a personal mission statement. The results are startling. Have you written yours?

A personal mission statement is your affirmation, philosophy and purpose rolled into one. It's your personal challenge to yourself. It's an opportunity to bring your goals into focus and transfer your ideals into the real world. It's a chance for you to write your own legacy. It's your success plan. Sounds pretty heavy, but it's actually a lot of fun. If you do it right, it's an adventure.

Here are the ground rules and the format:

Define yourself What kind of a person are you? What do you do? What is your character? Say whom you're dedicated to Are you dedicated to a family member, your children, your wife? Say what you're dedicated to Are you dedicated to your profession, your customers, your success? Define your service to others Where do you specialize? Where is your expertise? Whom do you serve? How do you help them? Affirm that you will strive to get better, try new things and grow Where do you aspire to be? What do you want to achieve? Commit to community service What actions are you taking to become involved in your community? Explain how it will get done How will you employ your enthusiasm, your attitude and your best efforts? Use your goals and visions to define your mission. Ask yourself:

What example do I seek to set? What ideals do I seek to live by? What affirmations can I use every day?

Here are some words that will help you define your mission:

Will dedication persist honest ethical positive enthusiastic fun health learn listen help provide encourage others ongoing set an example The process takes time

Write a first draft, and let it sit for a few days. Re-read it slowly, and make changes that you feel better express your true feelings. Describe the person think you are and what you seek to accomplish or become.

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to flatter yourself

You're writing this for yourself, not others. Affirm everything you think you are or want to become. Do it with a sense of pride and a spirit of adventure.

Ask your mentor(s) and associates for help

If they offer constructive criticism, thank them. If they tell you you're crazy, you're on the right path. Stay on it.

As salespeople and business leaders, we have a responsibility to do our best. By writing a mission statement, you have affirmed that responsibility. It's so simple it works.

I wrote my company's mission statement and my personal mission statement three years ago and have them posted in our offices for all to see. When it's in front of me daily, it's more likely that I will follow it. I revise mine every year.

I urge you to write yours. It builds your character and, at the same time, it lays it bare. It serves as a beacon of light in the fog of life. It is a path that you build on every day. It is your mission.

Post yours where you can see it daily. Sign it in big, bold felt-tip pen.

Live it. Live it every day.

Write your Personal Mission Statement.

It builds your character and, at the same time, it lays it bare.

Fad or not, let's get motivated with a mission statement

After that second cup of coffee this morning, perhaps you, too, concluded: I need a Personal Mission Statement.

Think about your life as the New Year begins. What was the rest of your day going to entail? Scooping leaves out of the roof gutters, doing the week's laundry, taking care of the bills? Really, is that all there is?

You need . . . purpose and vision.

Walk into the lobby of just about any American business, and on the wall you'll see displayed a mission statement.

You know, that plaque with terms like "customer-focused," "empower," "timely," "resources," "utilize," "diverse" and "interdependence." The mission statements must work, because otherwise, this all sounds like a big hustle by plaque manufacturers.

Recently, a number of advice books have been published about not just corporations, but you and I putting together a Personal Mission Statement. Perhaps the motivational experts have a point.

People with purpose and vision, they're not doing the laundry today. I don't know exactly what they're doing, but I'm pretty sure it's more than deciding whether to set that Kenmore at "cotton/sturdy" or "permanent press." At the very least, they're publishing best-sellers about writing mission statements.

As always, I look to you, the reader, for assistance in this endeavor. Send me your Personal Mission Statement. We'll publish the best, as a guide for others.

Be warned that writing one isn't as easy as it appears. That's because anybody can write one that sounds idiotic and pretentious.

On the Web, there is the "Dilbert" comic strip site (http://umweb1.unitedmedia.com/comics/dilbert) that contains a "Mission Statement Generator." The comic strip has replaced Gary Larson's "Far Side" in office cubicles, a silent expression of office stupidity.

In the "Mission Statement Generator," all you do is choose from the 17 adverbs, 26 verbs, 39 adjectives and 20 nouns listed, and you've got something that equals what 100 mid-level managers spent six months putting together. For example, "We are committed to providing efficient, fiscally-responsible, professional, ethical leadership." Actually, that's not a made-up mission statement. It's from a real company.

But let's assume that there truly is something to mission statements, other than

being a fad that no corporate manager had the courage to nix. What would you put in yours?

Last year, Hal Lancaster, who writes about "Managing Your Career" for the Wall Street Journal, had readers help him write a mission statement. Lancaster came up with: "My mission is to enlighten and entertain people through my writing and to help provide a life for my family that is emotionally and financially secure, loving, learning and fun." That's a fine Personal Mission Statement, and one that I'd hope applies to me, but it also points out another problem. Isn't trying to do well with your job and family kind of self-evident?

But I suppose it's self-evident that to be happy, you should concentrate on what's important to you, no matter how self-evident. I also have a hunch some of you have two Personal Mission Statements: One you'd show family and friends, another just for yourself.

In any case, get your pencils out, and start putting together your Personal Mission Statements. If you want your name kept out of the paper because you don't want your family to know about your private Personal Mission Statement, that's OK.

Another advantage of writing a Personal Mission Statement, as opposed to one for a corporation or public agency, is that you can mention ideas that these days are deemed much too controversial. Last year, the Michigan State Board of Education got into trouble for saying it was "grateful to almighty God for the blessings of freedom." If you want to mention God, that's fine with me.

Let us collaboratively enhance and foster an effective catalyst for change in the paradigm of service, opportunities and diverse use of resources.

In other words, get your Personal Mission Statements to me within the next couple of weeks.

Everyone Has a Mission. What's Yours? Danita R Worrell * and Peter G Pierce **  

Have you ever wondered why some employees walk through the front doors with a driving passion anticipating the challenges of the day while others simply show up to put in their "eight"? How can leaders inspire or motivate those who seem content to live within the realms of mediocrity? Some part of the answer may be found through helping individuals discover their personal mission. Everyone has a mission whether or not s/he realizes it. Imagine the possibilities within the structure of an organization where staff members have discovered their own personal missions. Envision a business housing successful individuals pursuing their dreams in alignment with the mission of the organization. Imagine the potential where the employee and the organization share common core values and compatible goals.

A personal mission statement serves as a compass, encouraging employees to work toward extended goals and prosperity. It brings recognition that success must be experienced at the organizational level in order to accomplish their specific mission as it relates to their career. The personal mission statement allows accurate balance for different aspects within life. A fabulous career does not compensate for a wrecked personal life. It would be a fleeting achievement at best. The struggle for balance is always a factor. A mission statement can guide decisions through some of the more difficult choices that are faced on a regular basis.

Where does this all begin? This may all sound great, but how may employees be persuaded to stretch and travel the path of self-discovery paved with such promises? Well, everyone has a mission, what's yours? Someone must go first. Why not you? If you want this to be widespread throughout the organization, it will be most effective when leadership sets the example.

PASSION + VISION = MISSION

Passion: It is found through the act of self discovery. It is the energy that is not given, but discovered. It lies within the depths of one's very being. It is a driving force, that once discovered will not be denied. Passion cannot be given or taught. It is unique and individualized. Passion is the very energy that turns a drab, meaningless life into an adventure. It supplies the power to transcend fears, doubts, and disappointments. It is the force that enables you to pursue again. Without passion, we become passive, not active, but acted upon. Passion is the energy, the bridge, that connects the Vision to the Mission. Passion drives us to take the actions that will cause our vision to grow into specific outcomes. Passion refuses to be hidden, it demands disclosure! Self-discovery exercises force us to put words to our thoughts and desires, allowing us to examine them in depth, rather than remaining elusive ideas within our minds that never make it beyond the dream stage.

Vision: Self-discovery is the act of evaluating our values, desires, dreams, and ambitions and formatting them into a useful structure. Specific ideas are broadened as passion unites with them, creating a vision of what is possible. As the vision matures it can be described as intelligent foresight. It becomes a mental image produced by the imagination. Our minds perceive the vision as something of extraordinary beauty. This vision can be transformed beyond a dream and we can choose to pursue it when we wake. Our bodies react to our dreams. Our emotional being does not distinguish between dream and reality until we are awake. A vision takes on life when it stirs our passion into believing that we can create what does not yet exist. It is passion that inspires us to change our dreams into reality. Vision remains a dream only experienced during sleep until it unites with passion. Once passion and vision meet face to face, a mission is conceived.

Mission: A personal mission is a dream that has taken on life. Without passion and vision, a mission cannot be conceived. Without vision the mission will begin to perish. Passion is the energy that inspires us to pursue the vision. When passion

dies, we may still see the vision, we just cease to pursue it. A vision not pursued has no mission. Without a mission, time simply happens to us. We have no direction, no goals, no ambitions, no desires. A mission gives purpose to our lives. A core mission can encompass every aspect of an individual's life. Sometimes a mission statement may be specifically related to a career, family, children, social commitments and the like. As we progress through different stages of our lives we may change some aspects of our mission statement, while others remain consistent our entire lives. It sets the direction that we travel. The mission becomes a journey of discovery, not destination. It is what we strive to be or become each day. It is the compass by which we establish our goals, attitude, actions and daily behavior. As the mission matures, we begin to establish goals that reflect the vision of interdependent success with the organization, enhancing the recognition that every moment in life is irreplaceable and simply existing for an eight hour period, five days a week is not acceptable.

So how does this help your organization? People who have missions begin to set goals and when this happens, things cannot stay the same within the organization. It is not possible for the status quo to remain. Life begins to emerge within the walls that house individuals with missions. Inspiration begins to develop as short, medium and long term goals take shape, lending measurement to the progress. Goals are the children of a personal mission statement. Each time we reach a goal and experience the exhilaration of achievement, the desire to stretch our horizons and explore hidden potentials is enhanced. Success fosters success. This experience adds fuel to our passion. It causes it to grow stronger. Passion must be fed or it eventually burns out. Goal achievement is the fuel of passion.

In order to establish goals, we must connect ourselves to some form of association. These may be institutions in the ordinary sense -- government, business organizations, education, marriages, families, churches, -- or they may be networks and alliances, formal and informal -- nature, sports, recreation, hobbies. Goal achievement is not a solitary action. These associations become the vehicles which carry us to our goals, through our missions, inspire our passion and allow us to live our vision. When our associations conflict, our goals become great burdens. Finding the balance is essential. Balance is possible only when our personal mission statement is in harmony with the associational mission. When a person associates in a context that has no connection with their personal mission statement, there is no balance. The discovery of one's own mission forces him/her to make difficult decisions and many times as a result, employees make career changes. In the long term, change and movement toward harmony and balance is best for both parties. The organization that knows the personal missions of its employees is far ahead of the game.

The harmonious convergence of personal and organizational missions creates an environment of a "shared vision". An organization that places no value on and harshly imposes its priorities on its employees will cause the destruction of the other associations in the employee's life. They will not be able to share the mission, see the vision, and will have no passion for it. Those who stay in a conflicted association will

cease to be motivated, the vision will die, and the mission will be lost to the dream world. Why would an organization want to be comprised of people who have no vision, no passion and no mission? It appears that managers often deliberately create this very conflicted environment of robots and prefer it that way. Ambitious people can be a difficult group to manage when they are required to stay within the proverbial box. These people will make more mistakes than others as they search for new creative ways to reach their goals and those of the organization. Wisdom and knowledge are developed by having lived through incorrect decisions and survived to find a better way. Failure is short lived to those who do not give up. Worthwhile goals are seldom realized without sacrifice. These people are the ones who will bring you the great successes of your business.

The quick fix has no permanent effect. Life must be viewed as a journey. There will be times when the plane we board must stop at other cities before it reaches our destination. Preparation for unexpected detours is necessary for success. We must learn not to panic when we discover the final destination is Memphis and we thought we were going to Dallas. Now is the time when we choose to catch the next plane to Dallas or rethink our strategies in order to fulfill our mission in Memphis. In the meantime, we must utilize the current situation to enhance and broaden our horizons. When we are guided by the compass of our mission statements there is no thought to damage or to obstruct the current environment simply because it is not what we expected.

Individuals and organizations many times choose to become victims of circumstance, continuously complaining about "They". To the individual "They" is management, and to management "They" is everyone, even other managers. It becomes every man for himself, with no visible winners. It was once remarked "Those who chose to leave have adjusted better than those who stayed." Everyone points a finger at "They" who was obviously in charge of the destination to Memphis and "They" failed to inform anyone, or "They" were told where we were going but "They" just don't listen. If we ever really identify who "They" are, inevitably "They" will make a quick name change and we will have to search for "Them" all over again! I look at myself every morning and hope that I am not "They", but I have come to realize that I am "They", which means I am the responsible party. If I am confused, it is probably because I failed to listen or if others around me are confused, I probably failed to relay the proper message.

Everyone, everyday, makes a choice to either be shaped by circumstance or to shape it. Things happen, but it is when we allow them to destroy our passion, dim our vision, and alter our mission that we become helpless victims, and we join the 8-5 grind of do it and go home. When this is allowed to happen, the only winner is the competitor down the street, certainly not the individual and not the organization. Once we have discovered our mission and begin the journey of pursuing our vision, the frequency of allowing circumstance to sidetrack our goals begins to diminish. They are no longer obstacles, but new opportunities that can lead to new paths of success. Sharing with others what our mission statement is and what it is about

allows us to build support systems within the organization. It allows management to plan for succession programs, mentoring, grooming, training, correct positioning, and many other strategic maneuvers. It allows employees to pursue their dreams sharing mutual prosperity and achievement with their employer.

The truth is, Everyone has a mission. Some have not put words to it, others have not taken the time to discover it. Step one is to discover and create your own mission statement. Step two is to share your mission statement with others. Step three is to ask someone else, "What's yours?" Strategic Advantage, Inc.

Mission Statement  

To provide a service that will enhance the ideas, dreams, aspirations, creativity and prosperity of our clients and community by creating customized programs that will unleash the inherent, unique talents and skills of their human assets. We will provide the highest quality of support to our customers and will measure our success through their eyes. We pledge to live and serve by the standards we teach.  

*DANITA R WORRELL is President of STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE, INC. an Oklahoma-based consulting firm for financial institutions specializing in team-based human relations solutions for reinvention and competitiveness. She has spent ten years in bank credit, both underwriting and collections, while earning undergraduate and advanced degrees in management and human relations.

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

To create an atmosphere where new ideas are always listened to beyond courtesy, with anticipation for future growth and unlimited possibilities. To thrive in an environment where the only things not possible are those restricted by my own lack of initiative and imagination.

**PETE PIERCE, following 20 years representing financial institutions in private law practice, became President of FIRST BETHANY BANCORP in 1994. He has written and spoken extensively on banking issues and guided his company's lead bank through a successful reinvention process, positioning it to remain independent amidst significant consolidation. Active in the "social capital" movement, he is a member of the Saguaro Seminar and as such a Senior Associate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (ww.ksg.harvard.edu/~saguaro/). You may reach Pete at ppierce@ FirstBethanyBank.com

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

Grounded in a consciousness of personal servanthood, my mission is to give leadership which combines creativity, courage, enthusiasm, intuition, and vision in a

way enabling others to successfully confront deconstruction and metamorphosis without trepidation and to reap the rewards of transformation and renaissance with joy and awe. Ash Wednesday 1997

STEP 1:  AN INFLUENTIAL PERSON.       An effective way to focus on what you want to be is to identify a highly influential individual in your life and to think about how this individual has contributed to your life.  This person may be a parent, work associate, friend, family members, or neighbor.  Answer the following questions, keeping in mind your personal goals of what you want to be and do.

 Who has been one of the most influential people in my life? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    

 Which qualities do I most admire in that person? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    

 What qualities have I gained (or hope to gain) from that person? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 STEP 2: WHAT I WANT TO BE, DO, HAVE.

 What I’d like to be: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 What I’d like to be:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

 What I’d like to have: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

STEP 3:  DEFINE LIFE ROLES

     We live in terms of authentic roles, which we have chosen to fill in our lives.  You will have roles at work, in the family, in the community, and in other areas of life.  These roles given are a natural framework to give order to what you want to do and be.

Examples: Wife/Mother, Manager-New Product division, Friend, Chairperson-United Way, Sister. Counselor, Family member, Sister.

Counselor, Family member, Friend…

     Below, define up to five life roles and then write these roles in the left-hand column.  Next, project yourself into the future and write a brief statement on how you would most like to be described in that particular role.      Identifying life roles will allow you to gain perspectives and balance.  By writing these descriptive statements, you will begin to visualize your highest self. You will also identify the core principles and values you desire to live by.

ROLE                                          STATEMENTS

1. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

2. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

3. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

4. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

5. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

6. ________________    ____________________________ ____________________________

7. ________________    ____________________________  

STEP 4:  PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT  

     Now that you have been through steps 1-3, you are prepared to begin working on your personal mission statements.      In the space provided below, create a rough draft of your mission statement.  Draw heavily on the thinking you’ve done in the previous three steps during this past academic year.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________

This is just a rough draft.  Carry this with you and make notes, additions, and deletions before you attempt to create another, final draft.  

 STEP 5:  EVALUATE MISSION STATEMENT

     As with anything, it is important to periodically review your personal mission statement.  Periodic review and evaluation can help you keep in touch with your own development and keep your statement from becoming outdated.  Continually ask yourself these questions:

1. Is my mission based on timeless, proven principles?  Which ones? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Do I feel this mission statement represents the best that is with me? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. During my best moments, do I feel good about what this mission statement represents? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Do I feel direction, purpose, challenge, and motivation from this statement? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Am I aware of the strategies and skills that will help me accomplish what I have written? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What do I need to start doing now to be where I want to be tomorrow? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Which of my core values are encompassed by my mission statement?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. Does the statement inspire me? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________