Step 2 - Mission/Vision

Pretzel Mania needs a mission statement in order to create a single mindset. It is the simplest way to bring everyone onto the same page. In the SMART Goal System, each employee will also create a mission statement. When the Pretzel Mania's mission statement is already functioning, it will be easy for employees to align their mission statement to coincide.

Mission statements aren't usually written for employees to follow. They are written for executives or they are written as slogans to attract customers . A mission statement needs to be the driving objective of the company, and each employee should memorize it.

To make a mission statement, it takes two questions:  “What do I want everybody to say about Pretzel Mania?” and “What am I doing to get people to say that?”  Ask those about peers, customers, friends, and family.  From the answer, find keywords, and use those words to write a mission statement.

It writing the statement, it is good to use abstract terms. The purpose is to create direction. Abstract terms allow people to define the terms from their own perspectives. An abstract mission statement would be: “We supply the best yard service available”. Every term is abstract and open for interpretation. What does it mean to “supply”? What kind of “service”, pool, pest, or grass? Where is "available", CA or WI? What is “best” better then? People will want to ask questions and find out how that mission can help them. A mission is different then a vision, though they are closely tied together.

A mission statement is Pretzel Mania's ideal. A vision is imagining Pretzel Mania in that ideal. It is a forecast of where Pretzel Mania will be in the future.  Vision  points the company in a direction, but without a mission, they will never get there. The mission is what all employees can reference and follow. There should be an overarching company mission statement, as well as individual department mission statements. This allows each department to have a singular focus.

This prevents people from wondering what to focus on. An active knowledge of the mission statement will provide answers to majority of operation questions. When they truly understand the mission, they can make accurate decisions that lead to the company's vision.

This also prevents employee conflict. When people are working on the same page, for a central focus, they automatically resolve personal conflict with each other. They are focused on what to accomplish, and will put aside personal preferences. It comes from having a single focus and caring for others. It is similar to Paul's message to the Philippians (Phil. 2:1-4).

In Paul's letter, he encouraged them to have the same mind , which is possible through Christ. Then he explains Christ as an example of humility to follow and an object of worship to focus on (Phil. 2:6-11). When they focus on Christ, it provides the ability to have a singular focus. It provides a reason to not have conflict (Phil. 2:12-18). 

For me, as a Christian in business, I can lead and care for others in by focusing on Pretzel Mania's mission. The more I work toward that mission, without grumbling, the more Christ will be honored through this company.

In the SMART Goal System, there are 7 steps: 

1. Assessment
2. Mission/vision
3. SMART goals
4. Timing
5. Responsibility
6. Action Item
7. Flexibility.