Simon Sinek, author, speaker and consultant said, "Your vision is only actionable if you say it out loud. If you keep it to yourself it will remain a figment of your imagination."
Saint Elizabeth Community embarked on a journey to renew the vision, mission and values of our organization. Communicating these core beliefs has been, and continues to be, the most important part of this journey.
Over a hundred educational sessions were given throughout our organization on our vision, mission and values, demonstrating our commitment to saying it "out loud."
Founded in 1882, Saint Elizabeth Community has always been a mission-driven organization. Today as a nonprofit provider of care and services to seniors, with 12 Rhode Island locations, and more than 800 employees, our mission has changed to reflect our growth.
Communicating this to staff is one of the most important actions that has occurred within Saint Elizabeth Community. In some sectors we operate 24/7, 365 days a week, so a commitment of resources and time was needed to reach all staff. And we continue to bring our mission, vision and values into our work routines, beginning each week with a Monday Mission Message. Sparking interactions and dialogue, the communicating of the message has been invaluable.
This initiative is having a positive and lasting effect on staff, and the process has taught me the importance of repetition. For something to take hold and have a lasting effect, repetition is necessary. •