Vision Alignment or Organizational Drift

“Collective Vision Lululemon’s vision statement used to be “elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness.” I don’t know what it is today; I looked online and couldn’t find it. For argument’s sake, let’s assume it’s remained the same. For a vision statement to be successful, the individuals who live into it must align on what it means for them collectively. If it is to be effective, a vision statement cannot just be words on an office wall that are left open to personal interpretation. We need to be clear on the meaning of these words, and more specifically, how we define “greatness.” If I am a metrics-driven Board member, then perhaps I see “greatness” in making lululemon the most valuable and sought-after stock in the US athletic basket. If I am an Employee, then maybe I see lululemon’s “greatness” in its active community engagement and the reach of its transformational development program. My point is, neither party is wrong in their interpretation. They are just misaligned in the collective interpretation and as a result, the collective intention becomes unclear. Prior to the creation of the Board, we didn’t have this misalignment because we were all in authentic communication all the time. There was no “us” and “them.” We aligned on what we wanted as a group and then lived into that vision every day. I believe that the Board, the Management, and the Employees can align again, and I believe that lululemon will fulfill on its vision. I remain lululemon’s number one cheerleader.”

“lululemon Vision (Defined as an unwavering commitment to the number one principle) “Elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness.” Mission Statement Providing components for people to live a longer, healthier, and more fun life. Number One Principle The store Educator is the most important person, and all decisions are made with this in mind. Number One Goal Within six months of hiring, a person will have taken the Landmark Forum and be coached on how to set their two, five, and ten-year goals, which include two for each of health, business and personal.”