Background

This interview outline was used for all organizations. For companies, acquisitions/mergers was also discussed, and for international entities, tailoring of vision and values to local cultures.

Introduction

I am interviewing a number of senior leaders of major organizations in the UK and USA, on the topic of Making Vision and Values Work.

Individual interviews are conducted in confidence.

Perhaps before we start the interview discussion, I could give you my definition of three terms and discuss whether you agree (although it doesn't matter if you use different words to describe these three areas):

• MISSION is the purpose of the organization, i.e. 'What are we here for?'

• VISION is a view of where the organization should be going in the long term future, i.e. 'What is our long-term direction?'

• VALUES are the beliefs which will guide us in pursuing our Vision, i.e. 'What are our convictions or principles regarding how we will operate?' These are not limited to ethical questions, e.g. a belief in offering superior quality or achieving world-class standards is a value.

Making Vision and Values Work - Key Questions to be Asked

1. Does your organization have both a Mission and a Vision?

2. What is your organization's mission or vision?

3. What difference would it make if you didn't have one?

4. Can Missions and Visions have a harmful effect? In what circumstances?

5. What are your organization's main values?

6. When were these Vision and Values developed? (If relevant, influence of Founder...