What is the Difference Between a
Mission and a Vision?
If you haven't read my article on "What is Your Mission," you might want to read it first. Many don't understand the difference between a mission and a vision. They are two totally different things, yet, your "vision" is directly connected to what your mission is.
Well, what is your mission? If you don't know, you need to go back to the beginning. Define your mission, or what you are trying to do or to accomplish. When you do, ask yourself, "Where do I want to see our organization next year, two years from now, or five years from now. I've just defined "vision" for you!
What do you want to see happen to the mission you are working toward? How do you see it happening? When do you see it happening? Vision is all about "seeing." That's the definition of vision. Great leaders, CEOs, or Executive Directors, can see with their "mind's eye" into the future. And then, they LEAD people there!
The peopel they lead might be employees, volunteers, and donors. But the most important people they lead is THEMSELVES! And so, I ask you a question. Can you SEE where you are going? Can you visualize where your organization needs to go? If not, why not? Figure it out, write it down, define, sleep on it, dream about it, but get that solid picture in your mind. People are counting on you! The beneficiaries of your organization's services wait upon you! Donors are ready, willing and ABLE to back you and your vision!
