Recently two trusted names in polling, Harris Interactive and Franklin Covey, released findings on a work-life balance questionnaire with over 20,000 full time employees in recognized industries and positions. The following statistics reflect low job satisfaction and consequently the missed opportunities both leadership and management have had to communicate adequately the company's mission and vision statements to their employees.

-37% of employees have a clear understanding of what their organization is trying to achieve and why.

-1 in 5 said they were enthusiastic about their organization's goals.

-15% felt that their organization fully enables them to execute key goals.

-10% fully trusted the organization they work for.

-13% have high-trust, highly cooperative working relationships with other groups or departments.

“The data is sobering” writes Stephen R. Covey, author and co-founder of the Franklin Covey Company. “Despite all our gains in technology, product innovation and world markets, most people are not thriving in the organizations they work for.” So how would leadership and management share the task in communicating the company's mission and vision statements and address these findings?

“Recognize the need for a tiered mission and vision statement in your company or organization. If you create tiered mission and vision statements that allow each branch, division and department to support and accomplish it's part in the overall company or top-level organizational mission and vision, you can address all five of these areas successfully” says Don Midgett, author of Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future.

The tiered use of mission and vision statements helps leadership and management by allowing everyone to live the company or organizational purpose and play a part in the accomplishment of their desired futures – throughout the organization. Remember – mission and vision statements are like fingerprints – distinct and none like them. This tiered approach to your mission and vision statements will help keep all those above statistics and percentages at a high level in your organization.

To learn more about mission and vision statements and their importance and proper use by leadership and management, read Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future.

Don Midgett, Author