3 Reasons Why People Can't Remember Your Vision Statement (and how to fix it)

Recently, I had someone share their vision statement with me.  A few hours later, if you asked me to repeat it, I would have no idea what it is. 

Why can't I remember their vision statement? Is it because I have a bad memory?  While I am 57 and do sometimes forget why I walked into a room, I don't think that is it.  p.s. If you are in your late 50's or early 60's, I am sure you can relate at times. (ha)

There are 3 big reasons why I can't remember their vision statement. 

#1 - It's too wordy.  

For some reason, we think our vision statement needs to be at least a paragraph long to be effective.  When actually, the opposite is true. The longer the vision statement, the harder it will be for people to retain it. Less is more. Here are a few vision statements that have been around for many years.  See if you can fill in the blanks.

The Few....the proud...?

MM's...melt in your mouth...?

Nike...just?

You can remember these, because they are precise. 

Is your vision statement longer than a sentence or two?  Then it's too long. Go back to the drawing board and make it more concise. 

2. It's not compelling enough.

A great vision statement will stir people's heart.  It will cause them to move toward action.  If you want great volunteers, then have a great vision statement that will draw them to you. 

Great volunteers are drawn toward a great vision.

A vision statement can be a highly effective tool to keep a ministry aligned. It can unite your volunteer team toward a shared purpose.

In fact, people who find their organization’s vision statement meaningful show engagement levels of 68%, a considerable 52% higher than employees who don’t.  

See your vision statement as part roadmap, part inspiration.

Your vision statement should motivate your team to strive for the next level of ministry impact. 

Dream big. 

A lukewarm vision will only yield lukewarm results. 

It’s important to be bold when writing your vision statement.

3. You are not repeating it often enough.

Vision leaks. That is why you should constantly be emphasizing it.  

Repeat it often.  

Include it in any correspondence you send out. 

Go over it at your team meetings.  

Teach about the vision statement.

Ask your volunteers how they can incorporate the vision statement into their area of serving.

The new year is fast approaching. Is it time for a new vision statement?  Is it time to start emphasizing the vision statement more in this coming year?  

Your vision statement is one of the most important factors in your ministry.

I talk more about vision for teams in my book "The Formula for Building Great Volunteer Teams."  

You can get it at this link.