A mission statement is a concise and compelling statement that communicates an organization’s purpose, values, and goals. It defines what the organization does, who it serves, and how it serves them. I like to think of this statement as telling me what we do everyday and how we do it; while the vision statement is the guiding light of how our daily actions will take us towards our ultimate purpose.
Examples of mission statements I like:
Harvard – As America’s oldest and most venerable institution of higher learning, Harvard’s mission is to advance new ideas and promote enduring knowledge. Since our founding in 1636, Harvard has grown to include 11 degree-awarding schools along with our allied institutions, including the Harvard Radcliffe Institute.
Chick-Fil-A – “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.” To live out our Purpose and honor Truett’s legacy, we are focused on creating a culture of care, both at the Support Center and in our restaurants.
1. Define Your Purpose
It’s important for your organization’s mission statement to accurately reflect its purpose. Clearly define why your organization exists, its values, and what it hopes to accomplish. This will allow for a concise and well-aligned statement that accurately represents your organization’s goals.
2. Core Values
When crafting your mission statement, it is important to incorporate your organization’s fundamental beliefs. Take into consideration the principles and values that drive your decision-making and conduct. This way, your mission statement will accurately represent the culture and values of your organization.
3. Target Audience
When crafting your mission statement, it is important to specify your organization’s target audience. Clearly define the individuals or groups that your organization aims to serve, along with their specific needs and desires. This will enable you to develop a mission statement that is customized to your target audience and effectively connects with them.
4. Use clear and concise language
Creating a mission statement that is easily comprehensible and memorable is imperative. Use language that is clear, concise, and easy to read, avoiding technical jargon or complex terms that may leave your audience feeling confused or excluded.
5. Keep it short and memorable
When crafting a mission statement, aim for brevity and memorability. A concise statement that can be easily communicated to others is ideal, typically consisting of just one or two sentences.
A well-written mission statement can help an organization stay focused, motivated, and aligned toward a common purpose. As a point of comparison, it might be helpful to look u your competitor’s mission statements. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a clear, concise, and meaningful mission statement that reflects your organization’s purpose, values, and goals.
