How to Develop a Mission Statement

An effective mission statement describes the purpose of an organization as concisely as possible. The mission statement should be specific to your company or business, setting it apart from competitors. It should also serve as a benchmark on which all decisions are based. Develop a mission statement to move your organization forward.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Prepare a brainstorming session with multiple stakeholders in the organization. Having input from others is ideal.
2. Ask what is the purpose of your organization. This may be difficult to put into words at first, but as you work through thoughts, you should find an underlying theme.
3. Consider the organization's products, services, markets, values, target audiences, priorities and activities.
4. Visit current and upcoming strategies the company has, and how they effect the organization's overall mission.
5. Ensure that the mission statement describes what the organization does, not why it exists.
6. Revise drafted mission statement ideas so that they are short and concise, clear and easily understood.
7. Develop a mission statement that will remain accurate in light of future technological advances that may change the organization's focus or direction.