Mission: Mission is "WHAT" of equation. Mission defines what company does to achieve its Purpose. The better defined a company’s mission is, easier it is to choose among many opportunities that will present themselves. A mission – means to achieve Purpose - can be fairly narrow or be somewhat broad. However, one that is too narrow can unduly restrict an organization from considering opportunities that would otherwise be an excellent fit, and one that is too broad offers no guidance at all and may cause an organization to spread itself too thin, do a poor job at everything, and essentially dilute its effectiveness.

How do you determine an appropriate mission? Again, remember to involve people throughout organization to develop and distill essence of what your organization is about. Don’t simply rely on executive level to develop and then dictate mission to group. Work to strike that balance between clarity and confinement – not too broad, yet not overly restrictive.

Values: Values are "HOW" of equation. Values define how Mission will be carried out in an effort to achieve Purpose. They define “rules of game”. Some of these values will come to mind quite easily, things like honesty, courtesy, kindness, and ethics. But some other important values will only surface when brainstorming takes place - when different perspectives and voices are heard. Values like authenticity and vulnerability may be placed on table for consideration. (Which, by way, are two essential qualities of an exceptional leader.) It doesn’t matter which values are decided upon as being important to company. What is important however, is that whatever they are, everyone in company lives by and supports them. It’s important that policies and decisions of company are in alignment with them. If company has an acknowledged list of values it purports to live by and then chooses to ignore them, list becomes a sore point and acts as a negative reflection of what kind of organization you really lead.

When a company has clearly defined its Purpose, Mission, and Values, then all decisions, policies, and actions will have a measuring stick to keep them on course and you will have an organization which attracts and keeps best! You’ll create an organizational culture which naturally acts as a magnet to attract and retain like-minded people. And you’ll also have framework to interview about things that matter most to you and your organization. No longer will people be hired based solely on technical abilities or simply to fill seats.

Exceptional leadership inspires best effort in others!

Rain was falling all around in early evening before we left. My team left base camp at about 6 p.m. The whole team walked in single file towards jungle camp. The jungle path was steep, muddy, slippery and full of protruding roots and rocks. Sharp torns on jungle plants could easily cut anybody. My team reached jungle campsite at around 7.30 p.m. We quickly pitched camp, set up 3 hammocks, made a small fire for cooking, cleared area of obstruction, and set up our defense. We ate our dinner very quickly as our cease-fire ends at 8.30 p.m. and we can expect any attack from our enemy from then onwards. Our food was simple camp food - rice, canned sardines, and canned beans. We had plenty of eggs, but these were our ammunition, not our food.

The Wargames was an eye-opener for us. We could experience how a soldier fighting in jungle and going on a mission feels. It is to kill or be killed. He has to use his wits to survive. His eyes must be sharp. He must be sure where his enemies are and where his comrades are in order not to shoot his own people. His sentries must be alert all time. His camp perimeter should have booby trap to prevent enemy's approach from an unexpected direction, maybe from tree tops…..

A lot happened during night. Each team has its own tale to tell. To make a long story short - mission was successful. But it was a long, long night.

On third day morning, all teams made their way out of jungle at about 7.30 a.m. after breaking camp and packing. It was a battle-weary night. All teams who emerged from jungle were a sorry sight to behold. Covered with mud, and egg slime from head to toe, unkempt hair, wet clothing, tired bodies we were thankful to be able to reach base camp.

After washing up, we were transported by mini bus to a riverbank where lorry wheel inner tubes and bamboo had already been prepared. We were taught how to fabricate rafts, and when rafts were ready, we paddled downstream for about 3 miles and presented our prize (the flags) to a "Penghulu" (village headman) who was waiting there. The mission has been accomplished!

These were just brief summaries of what happened during Experiential Team Building exercise. It has taught in some way or another something of value to all participants.

"INSPIRE and MOTIVATE Your Staffs for GREATER SUCCESS!"  Recognize Your People's Achievements and They will Produce their BEST EFFORTS for You!" Awards show people that you really appreciate their efforts. Never Compromise on Quality! Motivate Your Staff with Awards