“Leaders take eagles and teach them to fly in formation.”
~ D. Wayne Calloway
Interesting quote! In today’s times, people tend to be scattered, distracted, fearful and definitely not “flying in formation”. So, how does a leader get their team back in formation? Back to the basics! Go back to the Vision, Mission and Purpose of the company. It is the foundation which will guide the formation of your staff!
• Vision: The big picture, the ultimate goal, it is where you ultimately want to be, your greatest dreams and possibilities.
• Mission: All the “to-do’s” to accomplish the mission; the actions to accomplish the vision.
• Purpose: The heart of passion, what drives you from your inner being. You, personally bring the purpose to the vision and mission. Without purpose you will feel empty.
With all the negativity that most people are being bombarded with on a daily basis, it is the leader’s job to bring everyone back to the ground, get them grounded and refocus them on the Mission and Vision of the company and their Purpose, and its meaning to the company. Then, once again send them out in formation with the Vision in the back of their minds at all times, check in to make sure that all their actions are the correct actions to accomplish the Mission and be on Purpose with the heart of who they truly are and their professional purpose. The Vision and Mission are rooted in the Purpose, they all must be connected.
A great leader will continuously reconnect their flock to the Vision, Mission and help each staff member find their purpose. Then, they will all take flight, continuously flying toward the Vision, taking the correct actions and feeling fulfilled.
Actions a leader can take to reinforce the Vision, Mission and Purpose:
• You personally communicate the Vision in many different ways on a daily basis
• Review the actions being taken to be sure they are the correct actions, if not coach and redirect
• Meet with your staff, depending on the size of your company, if you have a large organization, train your management staff to be in touch with their staff and helping them find their professional purpose, this will help them be passionate, motivated and feel fulfilled.
• Training, Training and more Training!
• Assign all staff to read: The On-Purpose Business, by Kevin W. McCarthy, a quick and engaging book about Vision, Mission and Purpose…one of the best!
• Be the model for your staff, always have your eye on the Vision, your actions (Mission) congruent with the Vision, and your Purpose always visible through your passion. Be relentless, congruent and kind.
A great leader will continuously check in with their staff to make sure they are flying in formation and in the correct direction and redirect when necessary.