When I have new owners take over, I have them go to the new staff and have each one do a mission statement for the business. Whey they feel the purpose of the business is there for. 

It shows a lot of insight into what each employee views their job as. Then the new owner can better know how to set goals that the employees (or set them in a way) will actually be motivated to follow. 

It's not "new boss wants to change everything" but becomes "this is what we have always done and new boss in on board with it".