How to Write Professional Mission Statements

A professional mission statement can unite people behind a common purpose.

A mission statement represents an individual or organization's purpose and is a guidepost for strategic decisions. A professional mission statement is concrete and measurable and is free of bland business terminology. The process to create a mission statement should take into account your goals, vision and organizational culture. With thoughtful planning and creation, the result should be able to answer the questions, "Who are we, what do we do and why are we here?"

Instructions

1. Collect information that will help you brainstorm and define your mission. Gather mission statements from other companies you admire to get ideas and inspiration. Compile a list of the products or services, target markets and values that make you and your organization unique. Write down measurable goals the company hopes to achieve in both the short and long term.

2. Brainstorm using the information you have collected. If applicable, include key stakeholders. These people might include executives and representatives from the marketing and human resources departments. Write words or statements that describe your organization's purpose, goals, vision and culture. If you have a team brainstorming session, have everyone vote on the words and phrases that best define the company in a unique way.

3. Craft a few drafts of your mission statement using the words and phrases that you and others came up with. Choose words that are specific and expressive rather than dry, generic terms. A professional mission statement should move people.

4. Gather feedback from key stakeholders. Consider putting your best two or three drafts up for a vote within the whole organization.

5. Refine and edit your mission statement based on the feedback from stakeholders and the organization. Give others a chance to review the changes before finalizing the statement.

6. Introduce your new mission statement to the organization. Notify people through the organization's newsletter or an all-hands meeting. Make sure to also update your website and any other materials where you want to promote your mission statement.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the mission statement concise. Determine how to communicate your mission with as few words as possible.

• Involving people from all levels of the organization can improve morale and provide a sense of ownership of the organization's mission.

References

• Stephen R. Covey: Business Mission Statements
• Center for Business Planning: Mission Statement
• Fast Company; How to Write a Mission Statement That Isn't Dumb; Nancy Lublin; November 2009

Resources

• Mission Statements: Ideas and Inspirations for Defining Your Own Mission Statement