How to Write a Mission Statement

However, crafting an effective mission statement isn't always easy. To help you get started, here are some tips on writing a powerful mission statement that will guide your business into the future.

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement is a assertion of the purpose and goals of an organization. It acts as a roadmap for representing the values, vision, and what the organization intends to accomplish.

An effective mission statement creates alignment between everyone within an organization as to where they are headed and how they can strive towards achieving their common goals. In addition, by understanding why an organization exists, individuals help unite a larger intention or belief that contributes to the well-being of their community or customers.

Writing a mission statement involves analyzing clearly who you are and what you need to do - providing clarity to differentiate from competitors and inspiring passion in those within your company.

Why is a Mission Statement Important for a Business or Brand?

A mission statement serves as a compass for both internal and external brand messaging - it helps stakeholders understand why the company exists, what it stands for, and how it approaches each challenge.

Having clear ambition and an established mantra to stand by can drive strategy, provide direction when making decisions on behalf of the brand, and ensure everyone is pushing in the same direction. It also serves to unify staff members, customers, and other external stakeholders who are familiar with your mission.

Creating a mission statement isn't just about introducing yourself to potential customers - it's also an opportunity for a meaningful reflection that sets forth your goals and builds accountability within your business or brand.

6 Key Elements of a Mission Statement

A mission statement should be brief, clear, and inspiring. Here are some key elements to help shape your mission statement:

• A Clear Focus: Be specific when stating why you exist - it should clarify what differentiates you from the competition and define who you are and what services or products you provide.
• Defining Values: State what principles and values guide you in your mission.
• Future-Focused: Your mission statement should act as a beacon for the future, conveying where you want to be and how you intend to get there.
• Customer Focused: Who are your customers, and how do you serve them? Include customer needs in your mission statement.
• Inclusive: Include your employees, partners, and stakeholders in your mission statement to ensure everyone feels included and valued.
• Inspirational: Your mission statement should be inspiring - it should provide passion for your work and encourage commitment from others.

5 Tips for Creating a Mission Statement That Makes an Impact

Now that you understand the key elements of a mission statement, here are some tips to help you create an effective and impactful one.

Put Yourself in the Shoes of Your Customer

Crafting a mission statement that resonates with customers starts with understanding the customer experience. To effectively put yourself in their shoes, it's important to understand their problems and the solutions they seek. This understanding will help your mission articulate how you provide value and improve customers' lives. Similar to how TikTok aims to "Inspire creativity and bring joy," focusing on the desires of their users, your mission statement should concentrate on how you can help customers succeed and grow. Reflect on Tesla's approach: "Accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy," which clearly addresses a global need and customer concern.

Be Succinct

When writing a mission statement, you want to ensure your message is precise and accurately captures your company's identity. To do this, aim to make it as brief as possible. For example, you may need only five words or fewer if you can masterfully sum up your organization's purpose in just 15 words. Keeping things short and sweet can help make communicating what your business does easy for potential customers and partners. This approach is effectively demonstrated by payment processor Square, whose mission statement, "We believe all businesses should be able to participate and thrive in the economy," succinctly encapsulates their overarching goal of inclusive economic participation. Just as Square communicates a broad vision in a compact statement, your mission should strive for similar clarity and brevity.

Involve Stakeholders

Businesses must involve stakeholders when creating a mission statement; companies often craft one from the top down, disregarding the input of those it should most reflect. Employee and customer values must be respected, and their interests should be integral to the mission statement. A truly engaging, succinctly communicated company mission will embody the perspectives of everyone involved with the business—from employees to customers and even suppliers or investors. As a result, establishing a shared vision across each of these key stakeholder groups is vital for success. UCLA Medical Center's mission, "To deliver leading-edge patient care, research, and education," exemplifies a statement that embraces a broad range of stakeholders, reflecting a comprehensive, inclusive approach.

Make it Real

It's all good to have high ideals but to make your mission statement truly meaningful, it should be based on tangible goals that can be achieved and measured over time. Illustrated with activity-specific objectives that are achievable, measurable, specific, and time-related, you can surpass short-term expectations and bring daily life to the mission statement. Not only do these action points breed commitment and dedication across the board, but they also provide markers for successes to build on and failure points for reinforcements or realignments as needed. Making your mission statement is about ensuring everyone, from the C-Suite down, can understand it and work towards it daily - keeping them motivated to reach greater heights. Tesla's mission to "Accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy" is an example of setting specific, achievable goals that are directly tied to real-world impact and progress.

Keep it Up-to-Date

Businesses must stay up-to-date and adapt their mission statement to the changes in the industry. This ensures they are continuously aware of their customer's needs, which can frequently change. Keeping an evergreen mission statement will help businesses make informed decisions, fix issues, and better understand their long-term direction. Additionally, these detailed statements will make it easier for a business to recognize when a potential new idea or goal does not fit into its ultimate purpose. To keep a mission statement up-to-date with customers' current demands, review it regularly to ensure it reflects your changing core values and vision for your product or service. Microsoft's mission, "To enable people and businesses throughout the world to realize their full potential," showcases the need for adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving demands and opportunities in the global market.

Common Mission Statement Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding Fluff and Jargon in Your Mission Statement

Crafting an effective mission statement requires avoiding unnecessary complex words and industry jargon. It's essential for the statement to be clear and understandable for everyone involved with the organization, including employees and customers.

The Importance of Brevity in a Mission Statement

A mission statement should be brief and direct. Lengthy statements risk being overlooked or misunderstood. Strive for a concise statement that encapsulates the essence of your company's mission.

Utilizing the Mission Statement in Daily Operations

An unused mission statement is ineffective. For a mission statement to have value, it should actively guide the daily decisions and actions within the company.

Balancing Focus and Flexibility in Your Mission Statement

Your mission statement should be focused yet flexible. It should not be so narrow as to limit growth nor so vague as to lack clear direction.

Involving Employees in the Mission Statement Process

Involving employees in developing the mission statement can ensure it truly represents the organization's purpose and gains their buy-in.

Adapting the Mission Statement to Company Evolution

It's important to revisit and revise the mission statement as the company grows and changes, ensuring its relevance and motivational power.

Communicating the Mission Statement to Stakeholders

Effective communication of the mission statement to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, is essential for alignment and understanding.

Realism and Honesty in the Mission Statement

Your mission statement should be both realistic and honest, reflecting achievable goals and aligning with the company's actual practices to maintain credibility.

Clarity is Important to an Effective Mission Statement

The mission statement should distinctly convey what the company does, its methods, its target audience, and its unique value. Avoid ambiguous language to prevent confusion.

Reflecting the Company's Unique Culture

The mission statement should mirror the company's distinctive culture and personality. Steer clear of generic phrases that could apply to any organization.

Steering Clear of Clichés and Buzzwords

Clichés and overused buzzwords can render a mission statement insincere or vague. Opt for language that genuinely represents your company.

Ensuring the Mission Statement Reflects the Company's Purpose

The mission statement must accurately portray the company's raison d'être and its unique qualities. It should motivate and foster commitment.

Avoiding Grammatical Errors

A mission statement should be professionally presented, free from grammatical errors and typos, to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Balancing Ambition in the Mission Statement

While ambition is important, the mission statement should not exaggerate the company's objectives to the point of appearing unrealistic or unachievable.

The Difference Between Mission and Vision Statements

Understanding the distinction between mission and vision statements is vital for any organization. While they are both essential in guiding a business, they serve distinct purposes and encompass different aspects of the company's trajectory.

Mission Statement

At its core, a mission statement is about the here and now. It defines what the organization does, its primary objectives, and the strategies it employs to meet these objectives. Essentially, it's a declaration of the company's purpose and immediate goals, guiding daily operations. This statement is an answer to fundamental questions about the company's reason for existence and its key activities aimed at achieving short-term objectives.

Vision Statement

On the other hand, a vision statement looks to the future. It articulates the organization's aspirations and its desired long-term achievements. This aspirational statement is less about current operations and more about what the company hopes to accomplish or become in the future. It acts as a source of inspiration and a beacon for long-range planning.

Key Differences

1. Timeframe: The primary difference lies in their focus on time. A mission statement is rooted in the present, guiding current activities and objectives. In contrast, a vision statement is future-oriented, describing what the organization aspires to achieve moving forward.
2. Purpose: The mission statement is practical, outlining the company's immediate objectives and the approach to achieving them. The vision statement, conversely, is a depiction of the company's future aspirations and overarching long-term goals.
3. Nature: In terms of content, mission statements usually contain more specific, actionable goals. Vision statements, however, tend to be more abstract, focusing on long-term aspirations and intended impacts.

50 Mission Statement Examples

To help you get inspired, here are 50 mission statement examples for big and small companies around the world.

10 Non-Profit Mission Statement Examples

1. Oxfam: To create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice.
2. World Wildlife Fund: To conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
3. American Red Cross: To prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
4. World Vision: To create positive and lasting change in the lives of vulnerable children, families, and communities living in poverty.
5. Habitat for Humanity: Seeking to put God's love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
6. UNICEF: To defend the rights of every child.
7. Doctors Without Borders: To save lives by providing medical aid where it's needed most, delivering independent and impartial care to those most in need.
8. Salvation Army: To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
9. St Jude Children's Research Hospital: To advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.
10. Make-A-Wish Foundation: We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

10 Family Mission Statement Examples

1. The Smith Family: To create a safe, positive environment in our home where everyone feels loved and respected.
2. The Jones Family: We will strive to live as a unified family that puts God first by showing love for each other through communication, respect, and kindness.
3. The Williams Family: To foster an atmosphere of unconditional love, respect, and trust in our home by nurturing a strong sense of family unity.
4. The Brown Family: We will promote an atmosphere of joy, responsibility, and curiosity that allows us all to grow as individuals while developing meaningful relationships with one another.
5. The Taylor Family: Our mission is to build a loving home environment based on kindness, trust, and honesty.
6. The Johnson Family: To create a home where the love of God and each other is expressed through words and actions demonstrating our commitment to one another.
7. The Davis Family: We will strive to foster a happy, healthy, and safe family environment where everyone values each other and works together towards a common goal.
8. The Miller Family: We will strive to create a foundation of love, respect, and mutual understanding to reach our goals for the betterment of our family.
9. The Anderson Family: Our mission is to create an atmosphere of joy, acceptance, and appreciation in which we support each other's growth and development.
10. The Moore Family: We will strive to build a loving home filled with respect, trust, and kindness where everyone is supported in reaching their goals.

10 Mission Statement Examples for Schools

1. Harvard University: To educate the citizens and citizen-leaders for our society.
2. Yale University: To create, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and understanding in service to the nation and the world.
3. Stanford University: To seek solutions for the betterment of humanity through education, research, scholarship, creative endeavors, and community service.
4. Columbia University: To educate students to make meaningful contributions as informed, ethical citizens and leaders in a global society.
5. Princeton University: To serve the nation and the world by sustaining an academic community that reflects diversity, encourages innovation, provides access to knowledge, promotes mutual respect and understanding, and offers outstanding instruction and scholarship.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology: To advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.
7. University of California – Berkeley: To foster learning, create knowledge, and develop leaders who will make a difference in their communities and the world.
8. Duke University: To cultivate knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in the service of society; to support research, teaching, and scholarship that address pressing local and global problems; and to create an environment in which students can develop their fullest potential.
9. Cornell University: To discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge; produce creative work; and promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community.
10. University of Pennsylvania: To foster a diverse community rich in dialogue and debate, to further knowledge through research and scholarship, to educate students from around the world, and to serve as an important resource for its local, national, and global communities.

10 Personal Leadership Mission Statement Examples

1. My mission is to be a leader who inspires, motivates, and encourages others to reach their highest potential.
2. I strive to lead with integrity, authenticity, and compassion while being an agent of positive change to create a better world.
3. My goal is to serve as a role model for others by setting an example of what it means to be a strong and compassionate leader.
4. I will be a leader who listens, empathizes, and supports others to create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone.
5. My mission is to bring out the best in all those around me by inspiring them to take ownership of their potential and use it to improve the world.
6. I will always strive to be the best version of myself, leading by example and showing others that they can achieve anything if they are willing to work hard and believe in themselves.
7. My mission is to foster collaboration between individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a stronger future together.
8. I will strive to lead with humility and integrity, honoring the perspectives of others while advocating for what is right and just.
9. I aim to use my skills and knowledge to mentor and support those around me to achieve positive outcomes on both an individual level and a collective one.
10. I am committed to creating an equitable world where everyone has the same success opportunities, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

10 Restaurant Mission Statement Examples

1. Our mission is to provide a unique and memorable dining experience that celebrates the flavors of our local cuisine while honoring the traditions of global culinary culture.
2. We strive to create an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed, appreciated, and part of something special.
3. Our goal is to offer delicious food with exceptional service in an inviting environment that inspires repeat visits from our loyal customers.
4. We aim to provide our guests with a hospitable and enjoyable atmosphere through quality products, attentive service, and warm hospitality.
5. Our mission is to be a leader in the restaurant industry by providing excellent cuisine that reflects the highest standards for culinary excellence and innovation.
6. We will always endeavor to exceed customer expectations with a commitment to our values of quality, freshness, and hospitality.
7. Our goal is to bring people together by providing an enjoyable atmosphere and great food that will keep our customers returning.
8. We believe in creating memorable experiences for each guest through outstanding service, delicious cuisine, and unique ambiance.
9. Our mission is to serve the highest quality ingredients with expert preparation in a warm and welcoming environment for all who enter our restaurant.
10. We strive to create a comfortable place where friends can gather to share a meal and make memories that last a lifetime.

Mission Statement FAQs

What Is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement succinctly articulates a company's objectives, detailing its business activities, the reasons behind them, and the clientele it serves. This statement guides both strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Why Is a Mission Statement Important?

The significance of a mission statement lies in its ability to offer a clear understanding of the company's objectives and direction. It ensures that the organization's activities are in line with its fundamental principles, aids in strategic planning, and conveys the company's objectives to various stakeholders, including employees, clients, and investors.

What Should a Mission Statement Include?

A comprehensive mission statement should clearly reflect the company's primary activities, its intended audience, and its fundamental values. It addresses the key aspects: the nature of the company's activities, the approach to these activities, the target demographic, and the value provided to them.

How Can a Mission Statement Provide Value?

The value of a mission statement is evident in its ability to direct the organization's actions, define its overarching goals, establish a clear pathway, and assist in making informed decisions. It acts as a foundational element for effective business planning.

How Long Should a Mission Statement Be?

The length of a mission statement varies, ranging from a brief phrase to an entire paragraph. The optimal length is generally under 100 words, ensuring that the company's purpose is conveyed quickly and effectively.

How Does a Mission Statement Reflect Values Beyond Profit-Making?

Mission statements are more than profit-focused declarations; they often encapsulate a company's dedication to broader goals. These goals can encompass commitments to community betterment, environmental sustainability, and enhancing customer well-being, illustrating a company's broader concerns and commitments.

What Role Does a Mission Statement Play in Team Motivation?

The role of a mission statement in a business is a North Star metric, shaping every decision and action. It's instrumental in unifying and energizing teams, offering them a shared objective and a sense of direction that goes beyond daily tasks.

When Should a Mission Statement Be Revised?

The frequency of revising a mission statement isn't fixed. It's advisable to assess and potentially update it in response to significant shifts in business, alterations in strategic direction, or changes in organizational goals.

How Can a Mission Statement Set a Business Apart from Competitors?

A mission statement can serve as a distinctive feature for a business, underscoring what sets it apart. It articulates the company's unique customer service approach, core values, and vision, thereby distinguishing it from its competitors.

How Does a Mission Statement Aid in Attracting Suitable Talent?

A well-crafted mission statement is key in drawing in the right workforce. By clearly expressing the company's core purpose and values, it appeals to individuals who resonate with these ideals. Such alignment often results in a more committed and high-performing team.

Can a Mission Statement Help in Marketing Our Business?

Indeed, a mission statement is a vital tool in marketing. It fosters a bond with customers, employees, investors, and the media, setting your brand apart from competitors.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Mission Statement?

When crafting a mission statement, avoid being overly vague, too restrictive, or uninspiring. Aim for clarity, brevity, and impact, ensuring it mirrors your business's unique purpose and values.

How Can We Ensure Our Mission Statement Is Aligned With Our Strategic Goals?

To align your mission statement with strategic goals, integrate it into the strategic planning process. It should mirror the company's objectives and act as a roadmap for realizing these goals.

Should We Involve Our Employees in Crafting Our Mission Statement?

Involving employees in creating your mission statement can provide essential insights and promote a sense of ownership and dedication. It can reveal strengths and weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed.

How Can Our Mission Statement Impact Our Relationship With Customers?

A thoughtfully composed mission statement can strengthen ties with customers by communicating your company's purpose and operations. It elucidates your values and dedication, fostering customer trust and loyalty.

How Can We Effectively Communicate Our Mission Statement?

For effective communication of your mission statement, ensure its visibility and accessibility. Place it prominently on your website, within your office, and in marketing materials. Regularly reinforce it in team meetings and all company communications to maintain its presence and importance.

What Is the Difference Between a Mission Statement and a Vision Statement?

A mission statement is centered on the current goals and primary purpose of your business. In contrast, a vision statement is future-oriented, outlining long-term aspirations and goals of the company.

How Does a Mission Statement Impact Company Culture?

A mission statement shapes company culture by establishing expected values and behaviors. It plays a critical role in building a workplace environment that reflects the organization's core values and purpose.

Is a Mission Statement Useful in Crisis Management?

During a crisis, a mission statement becomes a necessary tool for decision-making. It helps ensure that the company's responses are consistent with its foundational values and objectives, maintaining coherence with its identity and meeting stakeholder expectations.

How Can the Effectiveness of a Mission Statement Be Measured?

To gauge the effectiveness of your mission statement, assess how well it directs organizational decision-making, aligns your team, and connects with stakeholders. Gathering feedback through surveys from employees, customers, and other stakeholders can offer insightful perspectives on its impact.

How Does a Mission Statement Enhance Brand Identity?

A mission statement enhances brand identity by providing a clear expression of your company's core purpose, guiding principles, and dedication to its customers. This clear articulation aids in forming the public perception of your brand, setting it apart from competitors.

Is It Essential for a Mission Statement to Focus on Customers?

Indeed, focusing on customers is essential for a mission statement. It should distinctly convey who your customers are, the value they receive from your company, and the manner in which you serve their needs.

Can a Mission Statement Attract Investors?

A well-defined and compelling mission statement can be instrumental in attracting investors. It showcases your company's vision, strategic direction, and adherence to core values, enabling investors to gain insights into the essence of your business and its prospects for success.

How to Maintain the Relevance of a Mission Statement Over Time?

Maintaining the relevance of a mission statement requires periodic reviews and updates to align with any shifts in the business scene, strategic goals, or company objectives. Such regular assessments ensure that the mission statement accurately reflects the ongoing purpose and direction of the company.

What is the Significance of a Mission Statement in Corporate Social Responsibility?

In corporate social responsibility (CSR), a mission statement is required. It delineates the company's dedication to ethical conduct, social accountability, and environmental stewardship. This statement not only guides the company's CSR efforts but also communicates its commitment to these values to its stakeholders.