What is a CHARTER?

To me a robust, clear and inspiring CHARTER is a document that contains 6 elements:

1. A one sentence inspiring statement of purpose or mission. (MISSION)
2. A detailed description of what one is trying to create at some more distant point in the future. (VISIONs)
3. A short, half-page of core VABEs that define our intended culture. (Culture is a set of shared VABES, Values, Assumptions, Beliefs, and Expectations about the way the world is or should be.)
4. A strategy for each of the visions described in #2. (STRATEGIES)
5. A set of measures for each strategy that demonstrate any progress toward our Visions. (Short-term Operating Goals or STOGs)
6. Leadership:  WHO is going to create this document?  

One can create a charter at the individual, family, team, division, company, industry and national levels.  In my opinion, any organizational "leader" or intentional individual who has not created a clear, robust and inspiring charter is negligent.  Charters are a "Level Three Technique" and are far more powerful than Level One Techniques (rewards and punishments) or Level Two Techniques (logic, evidence, data, science). Witness not-for-profit organizations and the lingering conflicts in Northern Ireland, Ruanda/Burundi, the Balkans, India/Pakistan, Israel/Palestine, China/Tibet etc to understand the power of Level Three VABEs. 

Mission Statements.  One sentence.  NOT the "committee version" (We deliver world-class goods and services that delight our customers beyond their expectations and give our investors and above industry average return on their investments.  Vanilla and undifferentiating.)  RATHER "We protect those who protect us."  "We make education available to everyone." "Keep Virginia Moving."  "We protect communities from water-born disease."   And in my case, having had three last names, "To help people find themselves."  Everything I've done in my life and career revolves around that core mission.  What's the purpose of YOUR life?

Vision Statements.  A detailed description of what "you" want to look like on multiple dimensions some 20-50 years in the future. Individual dimensions include the "--AL" aspects of life: physical, intellectual, mental, social, marital, financial, professional, etc.  Corporate dimensions include financial, marketing, share of market, efficient operations, global reach and many more.  Probably 3-10 pages. 

Core VABEs.  Half a page, maybe 7 or less.  "We are transparent with our data and truths." "We protect not abuse the Commons."  "We strive to improve continuously."  "We share our success with everyone."  etc.

Strategies.  Usually the longest section, might be 30 pages.  One for each of the visions in #2 above.  HOW will we work to get to that vision?  

STOGS.  Be careful what you measure lest you unintendedly undermine your own strategies. Could be weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually reassessed.  

Leadership.  Sometimes one person's clarity trumps a team effort.  WHO is involved in creating the charter?  Carlisle noted that he did not believe in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.  Yet one must guard against dictatorships. IF Others respond voluntarily, the "leader-to-be" can assess the degree of Buy-In they have achieved. 

For more, see my Level Three Leadership website at www.level3leadership.com or my books.