Tips for Writing an Inspiring Mission Statement

Every business needs to have a mission statement. It must inspire the team, service the customer, and have a clear message. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. This article is going to teach you how to write a mission statement.

Whether you’re a small business owner, who just established your business or a huge business corporation, this article is for you. It will help you write a mission statement that will surely leave an impact and motivate your team.

Tips for Writing an Inspiring Mission Statement
Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement defines the organization’s purpose, values, and principles and communicates its most significant strengths to stakeholders. The statement also becomes essential for interpreting the organization’s future direction and capabilities.

It serves to guide the entire organization on a journey to achieve the organization’s purpose. A mission statement is a plan that tells the organization’s stakeholders about what it stands for. It also describes how it can benefit others and where it is headed.  

Mission Statement vs. Vision Statement

Companies often display their mission and vision statements alongside each other. These often seem similar. However, Mission and Vision Statements are not interchangeable. 

The main difference between a mission and a vision statement is that a mission statement is a short-term plan to accomplish an event. A vision statement, in contrast, is a long-term, year-long plan of action. The main purpose of your mission statement is to ensure that the people and resources at your organization are devoted to achieving your goals.

Mission statements motivate a team to constantly advance toward a common goal. Vision statements represent what an organization aims to accomplish and what the world will look once you accomplish its mission.

Tips on How to Write a Mission Statement

Here are some tips to help you write a compelling mission statement.

1. Identify the Company’s Core Values

Core values are words that describe a company’s identity. These values should guide its decisions. They give the company direction and establish a standard to operate by. For example, some of Microsoft’s core values are as follows: Trustworthy Computing, Innovative, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Diversity.

Once you’ve identified your company’s core values, you can incorporate these into your mission statement. These principles can earn the respect of your employees as well as the appreciation of your customers.

2. Define the Purpose of your Company

A business shares its value through its products or services. Your mission statement can describe what you do for your customers. Explain what your goal is. Describe what you want your products or services to accomplish.

For example: “This business aims to provide internet services to people in remote areas. We want to aid them in connecting with the world.”

3. Explain your Product or Service

You need your customers and investors to understand the value your company has to offer. Are you selling products or services? How can these benefit your customers? What problems can it solve? Ponder these questions while you construct your mission statement.

4. Be Brief but Meaningful

Your mission statement doesn’t have to be several paragraphs long. Don’t overcomplicate it. It just has to convey what your company is about and what it stands for.

Some big companies may opt for lengthy, more detailed mission statements. But it’s best to keep your mission statements between 140 and 450 characters long. This will make it easier to remember and understand.

To Wrap Up

Your mission statement should be brief, meaningful, and easy to understand. It should be able to motivate and inspire your employees to achieve a shared goal. Follow the tips in the guide on how to write a mission statement, and you’re sure to create a great one.

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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