Step 2: Why, Values and Mission
2/7 steps beginners course on how to Impact DAO. Inject the basics 💉
Step 2: Why + Values + Mission
Start with the why ⁉️
Ask yourself why you're doing what you're doing. If you can answer this one question, you can answer many others - the purpose of existence, for whom, how, what.
Regularly ask "why", and make sure to communicate your "why" to others. This practice can help you attain clarity about your purpose.
Next, define your values.
Establish the values upon which you want to build your "why". It's essential to outline these values from the beginning, as they'll shape the culture of your DAO.
Listing your values will draw the right kind of people who will help form the desired culture, and culture is everything. Initially, the founder sets the values, but subsequent values will co-emerge with the community.
For instance, at Impact DAO Media, our first three values were: open-source, collaboration, and being mission plus results-oriented. Other values emerged as we progressed, and we now uphold 14 values.
It's important to live your values, embody them, as this will instill a "follow-the-values" culture.
Make decisions based on your values. Sometimes, you can align with the mission but not the values. Ensure you find alignment in both.
A general tip for everyone for describing the values, start from the good traits you see in yourself - Alona, Ukraine DAO
Finally, define your mission statement.
The mission statement serves as the elevator pitch of your "why".
Food for thought 💭
Is Whole Foods living up to its values since Amazon's takeover? Are the original why and values of Whole Foods, as defined by co-founder John Mackay, still intact?
What happens if you don't stick to your values?
The community that shapes your identity will move on and seek alternatives, which marks the beginning of your brand's decline.
Therefore, always strive to uphold your values if you want to retain your tribe, culture, and existence.
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