About positioning statements:

The services of any organizational unit manifest practices within an external professional community whose members staff similar offices and departments in other competing organizations. Professional practices characterizing this larger professional community establish the standards and benchmarks against which levels of expertise at SSU may be evaluated in organizational units.

In the light of this external community of practitioners, realistically compare the relative position of SSU’s unit and its work, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, and special core competencies. Indicate how the services rendered by SSU’s unit may differ from or emphasize a different aspect of the professional practices on-going in this larger community.

Imagine that your organizational unit is in direct competition with other similar units in competing organizations. How and in what way is the work of your unit superior or more appropriate for supporting SSU students than your competitors.

Enter a positioning statement for the unit on the “positioning statement” screen of the Strategic Planner. Be sure that all employees in the unit are aware of this statement as it may help to guide their individual professional development efforts.