What is a mission statement
Simply put, a mission statement is a short paragraph or sentence that highlights how you’ll achieve your vision.
The mission is the means to the end (your vision).
It’s also a strategic objective for achieving your BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals).
If vision is about the future, the mission is about the present state — actions that contribute to the fulfillment of your goals.
And if vision is the dreaming phase, the mission is the doing phase. Vision is the why. The mission is how.
How to write a mission statement
A mission statement builds on your vision, core values, and BHAGs. Having a vision is enough. But creating a mission statement will take you farther.
A good mission statement will answer the What, Who, and How.
- WHAT you will do (mission)
- WHO will benefit your mission
- HOW you will do it
According to legendary management guru Peter Drucker, “The mission statement has to express the contribution the enterprise plans to make to society, to economy, to the customer.”
Consider Amazon’s mission statement:
“We strive to offer our customers the lowest possible prices, the best available selection, and the utmost convenience.”
It’s a compliment to the giant retailer’s vision statement:
“To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
Examples of mission statements
Different between a vision statement and a mission statement
A vision statement is slightly different from a mission statement. Vision and mission are separate concepts. However, they are interdependent.
The vision statement is future-oriented and it answers the question, “What do I want to be?” On the other hand, a mission statement is present-oriented and it complements the vision statement.
What a Vision Statement is:
- It describes your ideal future.
- It answers the question, “Where do I want to be 10 or 30 years from now?”
- It’s future-oriented.
What a Mission Statement is:
- It describes how you intend to achieve your vision.
- It answers the question, “How do I fulfill my long-term goals?”
- It’s present-oriented.
More Posts
How to Be More Productive as a Student: 12 Key Tips
Being productive helps students succeed in school and life. Managing time and resources well boosts grades and happiness. Using good strategies like time management helps students juggle school and fun. Managing time well...
Top 8 Practices for Managing a Remote Sales Team
The pandemic changed many industries, including sales. Now, managing remote sales teams is key. Companies like Chili Piper show how to make remote teams work better. They found that remote workers are happier...
10 Top Online Weekly Budget Planners
Welcome to our deep-dive exploration into the world of online weekly budget planners. In today’s digital age, the right tools can make managing personal finances easier. This article will review the top 10...
8 Examples of Procrastination at Work
Many workers put off tasks and decisions, leading to stress and even losing their jobs. Famous people like Mozart, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Steve Jobs also put things off. Yet, this doesn’t always...