Mission Clarity

Military personnel live and die by mission clarity – literally. Many things can go wrong and lives can be lost if a commander sends troops out on a mission and there’s no mission clarity. In the best case scenario, they’ll wander. In the worst case scenario, unfortunate things can happen to them and to the people they intended to serve or help. Having a mission and having clarity about that mission are not the same things.

The importance of mission clarity is also true for businesses, non-profits or any other organizations that exist to do something. It is also true for us – people. In our personal endeavors – the small and the big, the mundane and the life-altering, and everything in between – mission clarity makes a significant difference in how we spend our time and other resources. I have found out that I have fewer distractions and waste fewer resources when I have mission clarity – that is when I know what I’m doing, why I’m doing that, and how I’m doing that.

The what, the why and the how.

Sometimes they follow in that order and sometimes they don’t. Other times, the whenand the who and the where questions creep in but I try to keep them out as much as possible and spend my energy on the primary questions – what, why and how.

• Answering the what question establishes focus. What is it that you (or me, we, they) want to do or experience or deliver? It may involve personal reflection, brainstorming, research or serendipity.
• Answering the why question establishes purpose. Why do I (or you, they) want to do or experience or deliver that what? It may involve personal reflection, brainstorming or a conversation with another person such as a mentor, counselor or a coach.
• Answering the how question is the beginning of resource mobilization. How am I (or you, they) going to get this what done. It will involve assessment, forecasting and planning. At this point, you can let in the who, when and where questions.

Establishing mission clarity can be as elaborate as involving consultants, experts and coaches. It could also be with just you and the 90 billion neurons inside your head. Regardless of how many experts are involved, do well to write down your answers – on a paper, a digital device, a blackboard, a wall or on your preferred means of writing things down. Even if

the answers are not perfect, write them down and refine them as needed.

Mission clarity ensures alignment. It ensures efficiency. It is a source of motivation. It can save you from pain and suffering, and even save your life.

While your personal endeavors – or those of the people you serve, coach or lead – may not be as life-or-death as those of military troops on a mission, having mission clarity helps you focus on the things that matter. Focusing on the things that matter will help you win where it matters.

What do you think?