Mission + Competitive Advantage = Your Organization Identity This is a formula used by David La Piana in his book, Nonprofit Strategy Revolution. Even though the book is about strategy for nonprofits, the concepts apply to the business world as well. Mission is about your purpose and the impact you want to make with your organization’s services/products/programs. That … [Read more...] about Your Organization Identity
mission statement
Your Cocktail Reception “Mission Conversation”
We have all heard the suggestion that we have an “elevator pitch.” It’s a good idea to have a quick summary of your mission or new business idea ready to go at a moment’s notice. But I am going to suggest that you have a longer version ready as well. In reality, you often get to talk about the mission of your organization with others in various venues – such as a coffee … [Read more...] about Your Cocktail Reception “Mission Conversation”
Promoting Mission & Values
We know that mission, vision, and values are core to the identity of any organization. And I often tell leaders that one of their most important responsibilities is to keep these in the forefront of their coworkers minds. But how do you do that? Recently, Dr. Alex Triantis – our Dean at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland – had our … [Read more...] about Promoting Mission & Values
If Not-For-Profit, Then For What?
We can’t figure out what to call ourselves. I most often hear “non-profit” or “not-for-profit, ” but both describe what we are NOT – not what we are FOR. We certainly aren’t for loss – though some organizations are mistakenly managed this way! We have tried so many alternative labels: philanthropic, independent sector, social sector, non-governmental, mission-based, … [Read more...] about If Not-For-Profit, Then For What?
Mission & The Louvre
When I saw it, I was shocked. I’m talking about I. M. Pei’s pyramid, sitting in the center of the Courtyard of Napoleon at The Louvre here in Paris. How did this happen? To me, it was like a beautiful tattoo . . . . . on the forehead of a gorgeous woman. Out of place and disturbing. But what do I know? As most of you are aware, The Louvre is one of the world’s largest … [Read more...] about Mission & The Louvre