How do you use project documentation to manage your vision and mission?

1 Define your vision and mission

Before you start any project, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. Your vision is your long-term goal, your aspiration, and your purpose. Your mission is your specific objective, your strategy, and your action plan. To define your vision and mission, you can use a simple statement, a diagram, a storyboard, or any other format that suits your project. The key is to make it concise, compelling, and consistent.

2 Align your documentation with your vision and mission

Once you have your vision and mission defined, you need to align your project documentation with them. This means that every document you create, update, or share should reflect and support your vision and mission. For example, your project charter should include your vision and mission statements, your project scope should align with your mission objectives, your project plan should outline how you will achieve your mission strategy, and your project status reports should show your progress towards your vision and mission.

3 Communicate your vision and mission through your documentation

One of the main benefits of project documentation is that it helps you communicate your vision and mission to your stakeholders, team members, and customers. By using clear, concise, and consistent language, visuals, and formats, you can convey your vision and mission effectively and efficiently. You can also use your documentation to inspire, motivate, and engage your audience, by highlighting the benefits, value, and impact of your project. For example, you can use stories, testimonials, or case studies to illustrate how your project aligns with your vision and mission.

4 Review and update your documentation according to your vision and mission

As your project progresses, you may encounter changes, challenges, or opportunities that affect your vision and mission. Therefore, you need to review and update your documentation regularly to ensure that it reflects and supports your current vision and mission. You can use feedback, data, or lessons learned to evaluate and improve your documentation. You can also use change management processes and tools to document and communicate any changes to your vision and mission.

5 Archive and share your documentation for future reference

At the end of your project, you need to archive and share your documentation for future reference. This will help you capture and showcase your achievements, learnings, and best practices. It will also help you maintain and sustain your vision and mission beyond your project. You can use online platforms, repositories, or databases to store and share your documentation. You can also use summaries, reports, or presentations to highlight and celebrate your vision and mission.