From Susan M. Heathfield,
Your Guide to Human Resources.
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Both people and organizations need to establish a strategic framework for significant success. This framework consists of:

• a vision for your future,
• a mission that defines what you are doing,
• values that shape your actions,
• strategies that zero in on your key success approaches, and
• goals and action plans to guide your daily, weekly and monthly actions.

Your organization's success and your personal success depend on how well you define and live by each of these important concepts. In fact:

• Companies whose employees understand the mission and goals enjoy a 29 percent greater return than other firms (Watson Wyatt Work Study).
• U.S. workers want their work to make a difference, but 75% do not think their company's mission statement has become the way they do business (Workplace 2000 Employee Insight Survey).

Read more to find out how to develop a successful strategic framework for your organization and yourself.

Vision Statement

A vision is a statement about what your organization wants to become. It should resonate with all members of the organization and help them feel proud, excited, and part of something much bigger than themselves. A vision should stretch the organization’s capabilities and image of itself. It gives shape and direction to the organization’s future. Visions range in length from a couple of words to several pages. I recommend shorter vision statements because people will tend to remember their shorter organizational vision.

Vision Statement Samples

"Year after year, Westin and its people will be regarded as the best and most sought after hotel and resort management group in North America." (Westin Hotels)

"To be recognized and respected as one of the premier associations of HR Professionals." (HR Association of Greater Detroit)

Personal Vision Statement

Your personal vision for your life can be as simple as a couple of words or as lengthy as 200 or more items you want to attain or accomplish.

Read more about creating your personal vision at:

• Create a Personal Vision Statement
• Does Your Work Serve Your Life?

More of this article?

• Part 1: Strategy and Vision Statements (You are here.)

• Part 2: Mission Statements

• Part 3: Values and Value Statements

• Part 4: Value Statement Samples

• Part 5: Strategies, Goals and Action Plans

More Strategic Planning Resources

• How to Implement Strategic Planning: Vision and Mission Statement, Values

• Create Your Personal Vision Statement