Page 119 - How to Drive the Bottom Line with People

Defining the Who: See the Vision

gained something invaluable: a perspective that helped
shape me into the person I am.

Vision matters. An organization’s vision represents
the purpose of its existence—the heart of what it is as
an entity. At United, our vision is to glorify God by

serving and enriching the lives of others through
humility, integrity, excellence, and responsibility. Any
team member reading such a statement understands
United Supermarkets is all about servanthood.
Knowing and understanding the vision creates a level

playing field for an organization’s team members and
partners. For example, it is common at United for team
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members at a particular store to pitch in to help =

coworkers. Such was the case in one store when the son
of one of the managers was diagnosed with cancer.
Team members working with the manager quietly
raised several thousand dollars to help the family off-
set the cost of medical care. The company pitched in

as well, making a significant cash donation as part of
a program called United We Care. The program—con-
ceived, designed, and funded by team members—

enables coworkers to assist peers in times of
extraordinary need. The program is a splendid mani-
festation of the company’s vision of serving and
enriching the lives of others.