Why Do You Need a Team Mission Statement?
We are in the process of assisting a client who is forming three new value analysis teams that will be meeting for the first time in January. However, before these three teams get down to their hard work of saving money, we will insist that they spend quality time developing and agreeing on their team’s mission statements. Why is this important?
After 22 years of forming, training and coaching teams we have found that if a team is to reach their savings goals they need to have a common understanding of the team’s purpose, which gives a team a firm foundation for savings money. Right out of the gate it also helps them define success and establish boundaries for what is and is not included in their team work. The best way to do so is to have your team develop their own customized mission statement.
Your mission statement should describe the purpose of the team, distinguish your team from other work teams, let your team understand what work falls within their scope and is clear, understandable and brief. Here’s an example of a value analysis team’s mission statement to give you an idea of what your team’s mission statement should look like:
“ This Value Analysis Team is a Dynamic Interdisciplinary Group Dedicated to Reducing the Total Supply Cost (all Supplies and Purchase Services) of our Hospital While Maintaining Quality Provisions of Service to all Customers”
Notice that this mission statement is clear, understandable, brief and easily remembered. It doesn’t need to be long or complex to make it a good mission statement. It simply needs to be is clear statement of purpose that every team member agrees to.
The best advice I can give you on teaming is don’t start or re-invent any team without giving it purpose, boundaries and focus on what it is supposed to do vs. what it isn’t supposed to do. This way you won’t need to keep answering the question for your team members “why are we here”.
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