The first step in formulating your business’ Strategic Plan is to develop or review the organisation’s mission statement. A mission statement is a short, simple statement answering the question “why do we exist?” or “what is our reason or core purpose of existing?” It should pass the T-Shirt test, meaning it is short enough to be printed on a T-Shirt, and is generally unchanging over time.
A simple way to think of starting your mission statement is using the opening phrase “To be/provide/help…” Take your time developing your mission statement. Talk about it with your team and ensure that everyone is aligned and has bought into the entity’s mission statement development.
Examples of mission statements for some well-known companies are:-
“To constantly improve what is essential to human progress by mastering science and technology” = Dow Chemicals
“We are a global family with a proud heritage passionately committed to providing personal mobility for people around the world” = Ford Motor Co.
“We fulfil dreams through the experience of motorcycling, by providing to motorcyclists and to the general public an expanding line of motorcycles and branded products and services in selected market segments” = Harley Davidson
“To be the best worldwide provider of higher-value staffing services and the centre for quality employment opportunities” = Manpower
“At Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential” = Microsoft
“To Bring Inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” = Nike
You can see how these simple but powerful mission statements inspire and frame their business success.
Use this week to develop, review or modify your mission statement and build a sound foundation for business success.
