- I started this thread as an extension of Robbie Daniels other thread. -
Alright, when the topic of a mission statement was brought up it got me thinking about what the AKA's current mission statement was. A quick look at their website led me to this:
"The purposes of the AKA are:
- To promote and protect the sport of kart racing;
- To promote excellence and just and honourable practices in the sport and to suppress malpractices;
- To promote and organise kart meetings and other functions for members;
- To do all such acts which, in the opinion of the Association are for the general benefit of members or of karting."
Now immediately some might recognise some inconsistencies there but I ask you to put them aside for a moment. The bigger problem in my eyes, is that this was the closest thing to a mission statement that was present in the 'About the AKA' section of their website (and pretty much everywhere else too). In fact the page lacked anything that resembled a true mission statement. Ironic isn't it...
This led me to do some quick research on some of the most successful and popular brands in the world: Coca-Cola, Toyota and Disney. Their mission statements are as follows:
Coca-Cola
"Everything we do is inspired by our enduring mission:
- To Refresh the World… in body, mind, and spirit.
- To Inspire Moments of Optimism… through our brands and our actions.
- To Create Value and Make a Difference… everywhere we engage."
Toyota
"To deliver outstanding automotive products and services to our customers, and enrich our community, partners and environment."
Disney
"To make people happy."
On top of these simple statements, they were all backed up with several core values each company wanted to encompass. In Toyota's case for example they were: Customer First, Respect for People, International Focus, Continuous Improvement and Innovation. These are simple, yet make the company what it is today (and that is one that made over 2.5 billion dollars last year!). Now surely if such successful companies deem it important to clearly lay out what they stand for and strive to achieve, then I would have thought the AKA, in all its' wisdom, would do the same...
In my eyes, a mission statement is something which is very clear and concise - and something which is able to be used as a measure of success. Most importantly I believe a mission statement must not define what the company does but what it tries to achieve. You'll notice that the three examples I gave above, do not simply say: we make soft drinks, we promote soft drinks, we organise the manufacturing processes etc.. No. Instead they outline what they want to achieve whilst doing what they do. I believe if such an approach was undertaken by the AKA then it would enjoy a far greater number of satisfied 'customers'.
To conclude, I think all we need to do is clearly define what we want and how we want to go about getting it. In other words, we need to establish what our mission is and what values we will embody as we seek to fulfil that mission. In your replies, I ask that you give 3 things:
1) List 5 areas you want to see improvement in the sport;
2) List 5 core values you want the sport to embody and;
3) As out there or radical as they may seem, list 5 things you want to see in the sport in 5 years time.
My hope is that, from your replies, we will be able to identify the common wants, needs and dreams out there, so that we can begin to develop what the sport so desperately needs: A vision for the future.
I look forward to seeing what you guys have to say and thank-you in advance for taking the time to read and reply.
Cheers,
Paul
P.S. - If you could please keep your replies to just the 3 points above (or as close to as possible) to avoid confusion and 'sidetracked-ness' that would be awesome.
Comments1
Sensational post Paul. Good work.
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5 areas for improvement -
I don't have 5 areas because for the most part I think the AKA do a good job. Constructive criticism is a good thing though......
Promotion. I don't know where the promotion is happening, but nobody outside of our little vacuum knows 2 parts of stuff all about karting.
Support. - More support for regional/struggling clubs. Not necessarily financial support, just a willingness to listen to the problems some clubs are having as a result of rules implemented by the AKA. eg. The whole B/C grade debacle in the restricted 125 class. Allow clubs to make rules that suit the LOCAL population ie. the people who actually turn up and race!!!!!  If not, they'll stop turning up.
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5 core values -
FUN!!!!  It's the foundation of the sport. Why else do we spend all our hard earned?
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In 5 years time -
Less classes. Amalgamate as necessary and let the future happen sooner rather than later. GET IT OVER WITH!
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As stated previously, I think the AKA do pretty well, all things considered. There will always be problems, what we need is more solutions.