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
Top 11 Facts About Positive Procrastination
Procrastination is often seen as a bad habit. But, there’s a new view called “positive procrastination.” It shows how this habit can help with creativity, efficiency, and happiness. In this article, we’ll explore...
5 Best Online Planners To Consider for 2023
We all remember the good old days of paper-based planners. These planner templates made sure our routines and lives were in order. For decades, they have helped us stay focused and productive. However,...
Advantages of Using an Online Monthly Planner vs. Paper Planner
Are you struggling to decide between an online monthly planner and a traditional paper planner? Both planners have their own distinct advantages and can help you manage your time and organize your life...
11 Time Management Tips for People With OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) makes daily life hard. It brings unwanted thoughts and rituals that take up a lot of time. Many people exploring OCD and time management techniques struggle because obsessive compulsive disorder...