About Mission
Statements
Creating a mission statement for your business or non-profit organization can be difficult. You need to find the perfect words to briefly and concisely state your company or agency's purpose. By learning what is necessary, you can effectively create or update your old mission statement to reflect your current principles.
Function
Every business or organization has a primary purpose for existing. As a rule, companies and non-profits alike are created in order to meet a specific need. Likewise, people setting goals do so with a purpose in mind. Mission statements will express the fundamental characteristics, purpose and efforts of a person, business or organization. A mission statement can help all employees of a company come together and work together in one accord.
Types
A personal mission statement is one created by an individual. Typically, this type is used to set life goals, with 3- or 5-year timelines in mind. Having a mission statement helps some people focus on their long-term goals, therefore making better choices on a daily basis. A non-profit mission statement defines the agency's commission to several groups, including financial supporters, potential clients and employees or volunteers. A business mission statement is created mainly for shareholders and the general public, although it could benefit staff members as well.
Size
Mission statements do not need to be extremely verbose. In fact, the more brief and to the point, the better. A mission statement should be no less than 50 words and no more than 400 words. Address the need that your organization or business meets. Use present tense language such as "perform" or "assist" and stay away from words that imply what you will do in the future instead, such as "try" and "aim."
Considerations
Do not use words or acronyms that are not meaningful to a layperson. Make sure your mission statement identifies what it is that makes your organization or company unique. Include values, principles or beliefs upon which your business or agency is based. Some large corporations have integrated two mission statements: one for their board, employees and shareholders; and a second for consumers.
Benefits
By keeping your mission statement short and to the point, you will be inherently creating boundaries for yourself and your organization. This does not mean you are limiting your business. Instead, you are allowing your organization to focus on its purpose. This will help your company or agency become one of the best in its field. If, in the future, you realize a new or different need that you wish to meet, you can rewrite or update your mission statement to reflect that goal.
Tags: mission statement, your mission, your mission statement, your organization, your business, About Mission, About Mission Statements