Creating andCommunicating a Vision

Creating and Communicating a Vision

Objectives

1. Understanding the purpose, the power and the importance of a vision

2. Understanding the difference between a values statement, mission statement and vision statement

3. The creation of a values statement, mission statement and vision statement for CC

4. Formulating the goals along the way (BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals)

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What is a vision?

• In this unit we will look at the importance of having a vision both in terms of the overall vision a school has and also the vision the school has for the Connecting Classrooms project.

• Before we start this though we need to be clear about what we mean by a “vision”.

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A vision to die for!

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A vision statement V A mission statement?

• Many people confuse these.

• Organisations confuse them

• Schools confuse them

• But they are both important and knowing the difference is important as well

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A mission statement

A mission statement describes what the school does now.

(For example, looking outside of education for a moment, a charity working with homeless and unemployed people might include in the mission statement "We provide job training for homeless and unemployed people.")

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A vision statement

A vision statement describes what the school wants to be in the future.

Vision is a long-term view, sometimes also describing how the school would like the world to be in which it operates. (For example, the charity mentioned above might have a vision statement which includes "A world without poverty.")

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A values statement

And there is a third statement that is important – a values statement.

This is something that is very powerful but few schools possess this – because they may say “it is obvious, we all know what our values are!”

But do they?

Values have a close relationship with beliefs. However, unlike beliefs values always have a sense or goodness or badness, or a rightness or wrongness about them.

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Activity 1

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Activity 1

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Writing a whole school mission statement

So when developing a mission statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

1.What is the main purpose of the school?2.What are the school’s values?3.What are the main benefits the school provides?4.Who are the school’s main clients (stakeholders)?5.What are the school’s responsibilities for these clients?6.Why does the school exist?7.What does the school do at the moment to achieve its vision?8.How is the school serving its clients?9.What is the benefit provided by the school?

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Writing a whole school vision statement

So when developing a vision statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

1.Does it make clear the school’s direction and purpose?2.Does it give a clear picture of the bright future?3.Are there images and words that inspire loyalty and caring through the involvement of all employees?4.Has it got memorable and engaging statements?5.Does it align with the school’s values and culture?6.Does it refer to the unique strengths, culture, values, beliefs and direction of the school?7.Will it inspire enthusiasm, belief, commitment and excitement in all school members?8.Will it instill the belief in employees that they are part of something bigger than themselves and their daily work?9.Does it challenge people to excel and to stretch and reach for a great future?

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Writing a school CC mission statement

So when developing a mission statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

1.What is the main purpose of the school’ involvement in CC?

2.What are the school’s values associated with CC?

3.What are the main benefits the school provides by being involved in CC?

4.Who are the school’s main clients (stakeholders) affected by CC?

5.What are the school’s responsibilities for these clients in terms of CC?

6.Why does the school exist, and how is this linked to CC?

7.What does the school do at the moment to achieve its vision in terms of CC?

8.How is the school serving its clients through CC?

9.What is the benefit provided by the school through CC?

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Writing a school CC vision statement

So when developing a mission statement, it should be seen that the following questions are answered:

1.Does it make clear the school’s direction and purpose in terms of CC?2.Does it give a clear picture of the bright future of CC?3.Are there images and words that inspire loyalty and caring through the involvement of all employees in CC?4.Has it got memorable and engaging statements about CC?5.Does it align with the school’s values and culture associated with CC?6.Does it refer to the unique strengths, culture, values, beliefs and direction of the school associated with CC?7.Will it inspire enthusiasm, belief, commitment and excitement in all school members about CC?8.Will it instill the belief in employees that they are part of something bigger than themselves and their daily work through involvement in CC?9.Does it challenge people to excel and to stretch and reach for a great future through CC?

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Plenary

What action will you now take based on what you have learnt in this unit?

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