In the military and especially in the Marines, we learned first hand what it took to have a successful mission.  What was it about military organizations and especially those in Special Operations type of units that can be applied to other areas of our lives?

The mindset is very important.  When it’s focused on the accomplishment of a mission, then it becomes more important and powerful to the successful conclusion.  In the business world this seems to be lacking in many ways.  I believe, because there is a lack of what the mission actually is.  If it’s simply to make money, then there is no real mission or purpose.  It lacks heart.  It lacks power.

One of the important aspects of having a mission-oriented mindset is that the focus will enable you to be open to opportunities that are available to the success of the mission.  That includes opportunities in improvising as well.  This is important in the fact that there will be deviations along the way.  Stumbling blocks.  Adjust by using opportunities.  We never will know what will happen.  Additionally, other opportunities may become available that will add to the overall mission.  For example, the use of the media may open up when it wasn’t there before.  Use it.

So what will it take to have this mindset?

Mission-oriented people are people of action.  They have the ability to work alone and in teams.  Both are necessary.  They continually look for resources that will help them accomplish the mission.  The have a developed strategy and understand the tactics that are necessary to make it work.  They learn to make constant improvements, never being satisfied with the status quo.  They improvise and are creative.  They also think critically.  They look at the outcome from both a positive and negative perspective.  They take calculated risks and make decisions based on that.  They understand failure can happen due to unforeseen situations.  They learn and make more adjustments.  And then strive on.  For they also know that it’s not really failure, but feedback.

And finally, they know their strengths and weaknesses.  They get the right team in place to balance out and enhance.  Building strength by using the strengths of the many.

Develop a mission statement is true to the mission, purpose and dream.  Bring the whole team aboard in creating it.  “And boldly go where no man has gone before….” -part of the Mission Statement from the series “Star Trek”

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