A mission statement is a short declaration of what your organization does, who it serves, and why it exists. A clear one guides decisions and helps people quickly understand your purpose.
What you'll need
- Notes on your goals and values
- Input from key stakeholders
- A draft document
Step by step
- Answer the core questionsWrite down what you do, who you do it for, and the value or change you create. These three answers are the raw material for the statement.
- Identify your purposeClarify why the organization exists beyond making money, focusing on the difference it makes for customers or the community. This is the heart of the mission.
- Draft a concise sentence or twoCombine your answers into one or two clear sentences in plain language. Aim for something a stranger could read once and understand.
- Cut jargon and buzzwordsRemove vague filler like synergy or world-class and replace it with concrete, specific wording. A mission full of clichés says very little.
- Test it with othersShare the draft with team members or customers and ask whether it feels accurate and inspiring. Revise based on whether it rings true.
- Finalize and use itPolish the wording, adopt the final version, and put it where it will guide decisions, such as your website, plans, and onboarding materials.
Handy tips
- Keep it short enough that people can remember and repeat it.
- A mission statement describes what you do now, while a vision statement describes the future you are aiming for.
- Revisit it every few years to make sure it still reflects the organization.
FAQ
How long should a mission statement be?
Usually one or two sentences. It should be short enough to remember and share, while still capturing what you do, who you serve, and why.
What is the difference between a mission and a vision statement?
A mission statement describes your current purpose and what you do today. A vision statement describes the long-term future or impact you hope to achieve.
Who should help write it?
Involve leaders and a few people who represent different parts of the organization. Input from stakeholders makes the statement more accurate and more widely embraced.