I had a friend, who, when he was 70 years old redid his personal mission statement.  That was about 15 years ago.  The wonderful wisdom of this man was his ownership of the Seasons of Life.

Seasons, phases, and changes in life and the contextual landscape of our ever-changing realities more than suggest that it would be wise to redo our mission as the season’s change.

A few days ago I posted a blog on the Failure of Success, and in that blog stated: “change causes the need to change.”

My friend was a living example of that.  He dedicated the winter of his life to mentoring others.  I will forever be indebted to his wisdom.

This wisdom isn’t only true for individuals but organizations as well.  This might be the perfect time to recast your mission/vision/values of your organization. Maybe it is too broad and you need to tighten it up a little.  Maybe it’s too specific and needs to be broader.  Maybe it needs to reveal a new direction.

You might be gambling on the hope that once we have a vaccine for COVID-19 everything’s going to go back to the way things were before.  Maybe.   Maybe not.  Probably not.

Change requires the need to change.

Who knew acrylic glass barriers or face coverings would be a growing industry?!

Maybe malls, which have been the center of the retail chain world, with huge anchor stores as its cornerstone will create a new vision: to be the center of entrepreneurship where new businesses and new restaurants begin and grow.

Or, maybe hotels, instead of conference rooms have “Zoom Rooms” where large screens can show hundreds of people on screen while a presenter delivers their content. Maybe one aspect of their  new mission would  be: Provide rooms where organizations, big and small, can communicate and train to all staff, whatever their location.

Or maybe the office furniture companies create and focus on a new value: Be a listener.  Listening leads to understanding. Understanding [situations, context, etc] leads to problem solving.  Office furniture is a key solution to problems of working at home or in the office.

On a personal level, since, like my friend before me, I’m in the winter of my life and I’ve been working on my Mission/Vision/Values.  Here’s where I’m at:

Vision: Develop and encourage Servant Leadership in every organization I can

Mission: Help leaders shed dysfunctional leadership tendencies and develop the leadership qualities people crave

In answer to the question, “what do you do?” I’ll say this: I write and speak about how leaders can be more effective

The reciprocal effect of helping leaders lead more effectively is that it impacts their organizational culture and ultimately the customers they serve.

Change requires the need to change. Is this the time to change your Mission, Vision, or Values?

What is your heart telling you?

Follow your heart.