CHAPTER 3 - PROTOCOL 4

Personal Mission Statement

TIME60 minutes plus revision
OWNERPrincipal or leader
ARTIFACTLeadership mission statement + decision test
SUCCESS CRITERIA
  1. The statement names the people or purpose your leadership serves.
  2. It describes an enduring contribution rather than a temporary goal.
  3. It is specific enough to influence a real decision.
  4. The statement includes a simple test for aligned behavior.
IMPLEMENTATION STEPS
01

Name who and what you serve

Identify the people, conditions, and enduring purpose your leadership exists to advance.

02

Draft the mission

Write a concise statement beginning with action and ending with the difference your leadership should make.

03

Pressure-test the language

Apply the draft to a difficult calendar, staffing, equity, instructional, or discipline decision.

04

Embed the decision test

Create one question that brings the mission into weekly planning and consequential choices.

WORKING ORGANIZER

Run the protocol.

Your responses save on this device. Use Print / Save PDF when you are ready to keep or share the artifact.

Your protocol can be complete here. Save or share the artifact and use it for the need in front of you.

REFLECTION PROMPTS
  • Could another leader adopt this statement without changing a word?
  • What does this mission require me to stop doing?
  • Who should be able to hold me accountable to it?
EQUITY GUARDRAILS
  • A mission should expand responsibility, not center the leader as hero.
  • Avoid promises that depend on controlling other people.
  • Make equity and dignity visible in the mission’s practical meaning.