Tips for Creating a Mission Statement



Tips for Creating a Mission Statement

A mission statement is vital to any organization. It should be the basis for all future activities including policy development, programs and marketing and should indicate the core values and purposes of the organization to both consumer and employees . Any program or project undertaken by an organization should reflect the mission statement.

How does your mission statement measure up?

Here are some guidelines for creating or reviewing an organization’s mission statement.

• A mission statement should state who your organization is and what it does.

The Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is an organization of individuals and groups working towards the preservation of our cultural and natural heritage. - Museum Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

• A mission statement should be results oriented, not activity oriented.

Our Mission Is To Preserve,

Promote And Advance The

Culture, Health, Economic,

Educational And Social Well

Being Of Our People - Including

Our Language, History

And Spirituality

- Miawpukek First Nations

• A mission statement should explain the organization’s intentions and priorities to members or individuals within the group and also the general public.

The Tourism Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador,

operating as Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador is a

broad-based industry association dedicated to the development

and promotion of the tourism and hospitality industry throughout

Newfoundland and Labrador.

- Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

• A mission statement should be short, concise and in plain language.

Established in 1957, the Canadian Federation of Humane

Societies is a national charitable organization working to

improve conditions for all animals across Canada.

- Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

• Where possible, a mission statement should indicate with who or where the organization operates.

The Newfoundland Gays and Lesbians for Equality Inc.

(NGALE) is a community-based, not-for-profit volunteer

organization dedicated to providing support and education to

and for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered persons, and the

public in general, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

- NGALE

• Communicate the mission statement to others –have it posted to the organization’s website, posters, as part of an email signature line, or in brochures.

• Do not draft a mission statement simply for the sake of doing it and then file it away. A mission statement defines an organization’s public image so display it whenever and wherever possible.

• As an organization evolves, it may become necessary to alter the mission statement. It is essential that programs and services remain reflective of the mission statement.

• A mission statement is not a vision statement.  A vision statement is a statement about the future, the long-term picture of what you want your organization to become or the results you would hope to achieve.

The vision of the Corporation is of cooperative communities

and individuals with a good quality of life,

committed to self-reliance and a positive attitude,

leading to the growth of a strong climate for

long-term business and employment opportunities.

- Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation

While some mission statements are overly simplistic because the company is a recognizable or iconic brand (such as Nike, whose mission statement is: "To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete." It is important that your mission statement clearly identifies the purpose and aim of your company as well as its location (in broad sense) and the goods and/or services that you offer.

• Your mission statement should be between two and four sentences.

• It should refer to your company in the third person. Ex. Company X is a … not My Company will …

• Be sure that the tone of your mission statement fits the overall goals of your company. Obviously the mission statement of an accounting firm is going to be much different from that of an alternative rock music store.

• You may, as this assignment goes on, choose to alter your mission statement. In the beginning, focus your mission statement on what your ideal company will be, without worrying about what it will become by the time this assignment is complete.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download