How to write a mission statement
A mission statement is a brief sentence that declares the goals a company plans to achieve in the future. Like a compass guides a ship, it guides a company to success by continually inspiring its stakeholders in their daily operations and strategic moves. It helps you plan your business effectively. It provides the destination for your journey to business success. Here are some tips on how to write a mission statement.
1) When you write a mission statement: do a little brainstorm
Take time to brainstorm with your team to agree on what is most important to include in your mission statement. Remember, keep it short and focused. If you are having trouble, invite employees to share the key words they think should be included and then select a few. Be sure not to include statements about aspirations for your company, which should be part of your vision statement.
2) Clarify your values
Consider all the stakeholders to whom your company is (or will be) accountable, including investors, customers, employees and suppliers. Now think about how you would ideally like to conduct business with each of these stakeholders. Start making a list and your core values should begin to emerge.
3) When you write a mission statement: stand out in a crowd
Your mission statement doesn’t have to be shocking or exceptional, as long as it clearly reflects your goals and style. However, if your company has a goal that is out of the ordinary, then you should include it in your mission statement. Is there something special about your business? This is the place to mention it.
4) Be simple
The fuzzy corporate jargon that permeates the corporate culture is completely irrelevant when it comes to your mission statement. Instead, look for the right words, which are almost always very specific, simpler and more colorful than the overused buzzwords we’re all sick of. Read it aloud several times to friends or other business owners and ask them if it sounds meaningful. If they look at you with confused expressions, go back and try again.
Although writing the mission statement is important and you should spend time getting it right, it is sometimes tempting to keep changing it until it is perfect. But by revising it over and over, you risk bleeding it dry. An imperfect but heartfelt and thought-provoking mission statement is far better than one that has been turned into dry, dusty, meaningless prose.