Two clients drew comparisons between a constitution and a mission statement.
South Africa reached an important milestone in 1994 with the creation of a new constitution. There are strong similarities between a government and a company. For one, a company which wishes to delve deep and create a new mission is really developing a new constitution.
Governments and companies which embark on the road of creating a new constitution know that this means the birth of a new order. The process requires a meeting of (often differing) minds; of developing an important document which will provide direction and thought leadership for years to come and which will start an important process.
The result of a constitution-writing process will not necessarily create a new form of government (all democracies are very alike). It will, however, create a new thought structure of clearly stated, cohesive guiding ideals which influence government and society.
Government practices of the past need to be reconsidered and, where necessary, modified or replaced. Segments of society which were excluded have to be brought into the fold. A new way of thinking about providing an institutionalised framework and the conditions for growth, of support, has to be developed. The national psyche has to be influenced by planning new approaches, and by taking new action leading to outcomes benefiting society as a whole.
The process needs time, patience and committed action. A democracy is not created by words alone. And supporters and resisters need to be guaranteed forums of expression and participation.
A new constitution requires steadfast commitment in upholding it. Having gone through a protracted process of developing it, government leaders and civic society need to stand firm in protecting the constitution, in seeing that words and actions are measured against the lofty ideals and values enshrined in it. Leaders worth their salt live according to the constitution, protect it and insist on adherence by all. Changes are possible, within the strictures of prescribed processes.
Companies embarking on the development of a mission go through the same process. MDs and managers need to really understand what their clients, internal and external, expect from them. They have to be accountable for managing for the “common wealth”. They should be prepared to stand up and be counted for their actions.
And companies should insist that their staff abide by their mission, its ideals and values. They may expect that no one halts the process of creating a renewed company which provides solid, honest, quality products and services to clients; a company which lives up to its promises. In return MDs need to create an environment for personal growth and prosperity for their staff members with whom they conclude legal and social contracts.
Company leaders take it for granted that government leaders abide by the country’s constitution; that they put the constitution before personal gain; that government puts structures, people and processes into place which deliver to the public what the constitution promises.
Similarly, leaders and managers of companies need to live their “constitutions”. Staff may expect that their leaders walk the required walk. Conversely, leaders are entitled to insist that all within their companies understand and live their new mission and grow the company in the spirit of its words and values.
Democracy is created in families, in societies, and in organisations. These are our personal practice grounds. Democracy starts in our homes, in our workplace, in the areas within our control. And it finds expression in constitutions and mission statements.
Having government, company and even personal constitutions and acting in accordance with them is important.
Would you agree?
Albert
keywords: company mission, constitution, organisation