For team members to be inspired, the leader must be clear about why the company exists and where he and his team are going. Our people are all volunteers—they have lots of choices of where to invest their time, talents and heart. We must have an important purpose, cast a compelling vision and stand firm in our values if we’re to capture their hearts in addition to their hands. Mission
A great mission statement for a Christian-led company answers the question, "Why does this company exist?" and reflects both temporal and eternal purposes. It should be short, concise and easy to memorize. It should inspire you, and many others, to invest time and talents to accomplish it. It should be used as a tool with which your team makes decisions.
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).
Vision
Your vision is a clear and grand proclamation of what you desire to become or accomplish—it’s your dream for the business. As a Christian business owner, your goal should be to seek your God-given vision, not one supplied by your own imagination. Bobb Biehl says, “A team without a dream isn’t a team at all.” Andy Stanley defines vision as, “A mental picture of what could be, fueled by a passion that it should be.”
Your vision should be captivating and inspiring to motivate you and powerfully attract your team. As a Christian leader, it should start from an understanding of “Who is God?” (His character) and then relate to you personally, “Who is God to you?” Once those are clear and you’re coming from a place of awe, gratitude and humility, answer the question, “What do you think God wants most to accomplish through you and the company over which He’s given you stewardship?”
“Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law” (Proverbs 29:18).
Core Values
Your values are the moral and unchangeable foundational principles that support everything you do. Your values must be instructive and biblically-based, able to handle the weight of whatever you build. People long to truly believe in something. Choose no more than five core values if you want them to be memorable and used by your team as a code of conduct.
“I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1).
Communication
After defining your mission, vision and core values, be strategic in your methods and the frequency of communicating them. Be sure people understand why your company exists. People are self-motivated if they’re compelled by your "Why," want to go to the same place you do and want to get there by living the same set of values. In order to gain inspired followers, the leader must communicate, communicate, communicate the mission, vision and core values.
What’s one thing could you do differently to help capture the hearts and minds of the people you lead and influence? What steps will you take to make that happen?