1. Purpose of the course: Focus on foundational elements (mission, vision, values) before building specific strategic plans.
2. Mission:
- Defines the purpose or calling of the organisation.
- Answers: Who are we called to serve? What do we provide? Why do we exist?
- Example: Distinct missions for different “ships” – aircraft carrier (power), pirate ship (plunder), cruise ship (pleasure).
3. Vision:
- Puts mission into motion; defines direction and desired outcomes.
- Answers: Where are we headed? What does success/fruitfulness look like?
- Example: Aircraft carrier (victory), pirate ship (wealth accumulation), cruise ship (repeatable experiences).
4. Values:
- Define organisational character and behaviour; guide how mission and vision are executed.
- Example: Navy values – honour, courage, commitment; pirate ship – actionable survival rules; cruise ship – enjoyment and customer satisfaction.
5. Metaphor:
- Using different types of ships illustrates that mission, vision, and values are distinctive to each organisation.
6. Warning signs for weak mission, vision, or values:
- Mission creep, trying to be all things to all people, unfocused programs.
- Vision: Confusion about goals, focus on activities over outcomes, difficulty raising resources, and loss of passion
- Values: Poor loyalty, weak creativity/innovation, fragmentation, bad teamwork, and lack of unity.
7. Signs of strength:
- Strong alignment in mission, vision, and values → better delegation, consistent behaviour, teamwork, stability, pride, organisational health.