Lecture Notes: Vision, Mission, and Just Cause

Key Concepts

• Debate on Vision vs. Mission

  • No standardized definitions or order.
  • Discussion often seen as trivial.

• Just Cause

  • Defined as an affirmative statement of a future state that does not yet exist.
  • A commitment to help build this future state.
  • Preferred term over vision due to higher standards.
  • A cause worth sacrificing for.
    • Examples of sacrifice:
      • Turning down clients or jobs for the sake of belief.
      • Spending time away from family for business.

Testing a Vision or Just Cause

To determine if a cause is worthy of commitment, it must pass three tests:

1. Resilient

   • Must withstand cultural, political, or technological change.
   • Example of failure: Technology-based visions that don't adapt to changes like the internet.
   • Should be durable and adaptable over time.

2. Inclusive

   • Vision should be an invitation to everyone, both internally and externally.
   • Should not exclude roles or make employees feel like second-class citizens.
   • Example: Avoid specific language that limits participation (e.g., only focusing on travel website developers).

3. Service-Oriented

   • In relationships, there are benefactors and contributors.
   • Primary benefit should go to those other than the contributor.
   • Leaders make decisions to help those they lead, not to enrich themselves.
   • Sales and investments should primarily benefit the customer or company, not the individual making the sale or investment.

Conclusion

• A vision statement must be resilient, inclusive, and service-oriented to be effective and sustainable for playing in the infinite game.
• These principles help ensure that a cause is just, motivating, and beneficial beyond personal gains.