Creating An Organizational Mission Statement
“If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you’re lost?” In an entrepreneurial company, the owner(s) usually have a good sense of the direction, principles and goals for their organization. However, circumstances may find them becoming reactive to solve crises instead of paying attention to the important priorities that move their company toward its mission. They lose sight of their purpose.[1]
The best organizational mission statement talks about the philosophies that will guide what the company is doing. It’s an important tool to get everyone to pull together in the same direction. The key to a successful organizational mission statement is the process of participation. Everyone should participate in a meaningful way—not just the top management. Without involvement, there is no sense of commitment. Stephen Covey writes, “An organizational mission statement—one that truly reflects the deep shared vision and values of everyone within that organization—creates a great unity and tremendous commitment. It creates in people’s hearts and minds a frame of reference, a set of criteria or guidelines, by which they will govern themselves.”
The organizational mission statement is similar to the personal mission statement in that it should address our basic human needs: financial or money need, social or relationship need, psychological or growth need; and spiritual or contribution need. It also cannot be created overnight. It takes patience, a long-term perspective and involvement.
Some general questions include defining our commitment to several areas of our business.
Clients/Customers: Are we committed to providing high quality service? Are we fair, honest, courteous and professional in our business dealings? Are we sensitive to our clients’/customers’ needs and dedicated to their satisfaction?
Employees: Do we recognize the importance of each individual and his or her active role in the success of the entire company? Do we provide our people opportunities to grow and feel motivated in their accomplishments? Do we encourage the flow of communication and exchange of ideas through all levels of the company?
Industry: Are we committed to engaging in honest, lawful and professional business practices within our industry? Do we respect the related industries that contribute to our success? Are we committed to providing growth to our industry? How do we distinguish ourselves from our competitors?
Community: Are we committed to the enhancement of the community of which we are a part? Do we contribute to its economic vitality and consider the environmental impact of our growth? Are we a symbol of leadership and active participation in community affairs?
These are the major categories to consider when developing an organizational mission statement. They could be subdivided into more distinct areas, depending on your business type, size and goals.
Some companies even break their mission statements into departmental creeds that remain connected to the main company mission statement.
Many organizations have a mission statement, but it doesn’t benefit from the shared vision and commitment of its employees. When enhancing the existing mission statement, consider these key questions: “How many of the people here know that a company mission statement exists? How many were involved in creating it? How many really buy into it and use it as a frame of reference in making decisions?” Once these questions are answered, the organizational mission statement creates a great unity and deep sense of commitment. People are motivated by the same set of guidelines, creating a feeling of pride and satisfaction in their work.
And keep in mind that your mission statement can change as conditions change in the industry, economy or under a new management style. Constant evaluation of the company’s principles and beliefs keeps the mission statement in alignment with the changing value systems. It also creates a dynamic atmosphere of growth and change—without the degree of fear that change can produce. And when people are totally involved in and committed to the evolution of the mission statement, they are swept up in the change and clearly understand the reasons why a new direction is needed.
Some Sample Organizational
Mission Statements:
“To enhance the lives of those we touch by helping them to reach their goals.”
—Melaleuca
“To inform, inspire and empower people to be their best—personally and professionally.”
—Success Networks
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