Writing a Vision Statement

Briefly, Burt Nanus, a well-known expert on the subject, defines a vision as a realistic, credible, attractive future for [an] organization.

A good vision can accomplish a number of things for the organization:

• It attracts commitment and energizes people.
• It creates meaning in volunteer's lives
• It establishes a standard of excellence.
• It bridges the present and the future.

Oren Harari said that a "Vision should describe a set of ideals and priorities, a picture of the future, a sense of what makes the company special and unique, a core set of principles that the company stands for, and a broad set of compelling criteria that will help define organizational success."

Collins and Porras add that

• A good vision is idealistic
• A good vision is appropriate for the organization and for the times
• A good vision sets standards of excellence and reflects high ideals
• A good vision clarifies purpose and direction
• A good vision inspires enthusiasm and encourages commitment
• A good vision is well articulated and easily understood
• A good vision reflects the uniqueness of the organization, its distinctive competence, what it stands for, and what it is able to achieve
• A good vision is ambitious

We should have no shame or fear to read or use the word "company". The efficiency of the business world can teach us a things or two and their methods can be put to good use.