Vision Redefined

Futurist and speaker Joel Barker once said: “Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with vision is making a positive difference.”

Over the last year, PRISM presidents Nathan Campbell and Jim Teske have shared with you their excitement about the changes taking place in PRISM International. As Barker implied in his quote, however, managing and directing this change requires developing a strategic plan.

Over three days, I had the pleasure of working with Campbell, Teske, Michael Fruchter, Chris Kelley, Neal Goldman, Joe Malerba, Lori Palmer, Chris Pearson and Natasha Rawley to help chart the future direction of PRISM International. Dean West, president of Association Laboratory, who is an ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) fellow, a recognized authority on the areas of association governance and membership growth and a frequent author and speaker at association conferences and events, facilitated the meeting.

We are not done with the strategic plan, which will require more work by the strategic planning committee as well as by the entire board of directors; but, I’m happy to share some of the initial conclusions we discussed in the meeting.

Our revised vision currently reads: “The Vision of PRISM International is to be the global advocate for safeguarding physical and digital information by serving companies that provide information management services.”

Note that this vision focuses not on boxes, not on vaults but instead on the information contained within. This vision also provides for the trend toward safeguarding information and documents at all stages—from creation to destruction.

Our revised mission currently reads: “The Mission of PRISM International is to be an essential business resource for member companies, their employees and the marketplace in the global information management industry through education, advocacy, industry promotion and networking.”

This mission incorporates many of the things that PRISM is currently known for—education, advocacy and networking. It also includes something that we’re not presently known for—promoting the entire industry. Our leaders agree this needs to change. PRISM is in the unique position to promote the entire RIM (records and information management) industry to end users; this is an opportunity we cannot waste and a responsibility we cannot abdicate.

PRISM’s new strategic plan will center on the new mission and vision. Did we miss the boat or hit the nail on the head? I would appreciate your feedback.

Dave Bergeson is the incoming executive director PRISM International, Chicago, and can be reached at dbergeson@prismintl.org.