Skillology 101 Lesson: How to Write an Effective Mission Statement
“Some business owners wonder if writing a mission statement is ever worth it. Research shows, however, that the writing of a mission statement is directly linked to greater returns on investment in companies. Additionally, businesses with mission statements have double the return on equity than those who have not written one." -www.thinkbigpartners.com Skillologist, it is much easier to accomplish your dreams if you know exactly where it is that you yearn to go. A personal or organizational mission statement can do just that and more. Not only will it keep you focused on your goal, but within an organization, it can do the same for your team while increasing buy-in from current and prospective stakeholders. Plainly stated, it is a key ingredient in the recipe for personal and/or organizational success.
Steps to writing and introducing an effective organizational mission statement:
- Gather all pertinent team members to brainstorm purpose, goals, and objectives of the organization.
- Determine how to word the mission in a manner which is both succinct and also clear to individuals unfamiliar with the organization or industry.
- Formally or informally survey key individuals such as your Board of Directors or most trusted colleagues to determine if your mission clearly and succinctly communicates organizational purpose, goals, and objectives.
- Take time to introduce the organizational mission while highlighting its key components to internal and external stakeholders.
- Reiterate the mission within organizational culture so that every staff member has internalized the mission and can move forward with a common purpose.
Steps to writing an effective personal mission statement:
- On a sheet of paper, list or free-write what major events in life have led to you becoming who you are today.
- Fold another sheet of paper in half. On the left side, list five major challenges that you have been through in life. On the right side, list all that you have done to overcome those challenges.
- On another sheet of paper, list what characteristics make you powerful.
- Below that, list what your hopes and dreams for your future are. Keep in mind how your purpose aligns with other people (ie. family, friends, and/or community).
- On a clean sheet of paper, fill in the blanks of this statement or a statement of your choice:
- I am a _______________________ individual who believes that life _______________________. As a result of my experiences, I sincerely believe that _______________________. My purpose (or "goal" or "objective") is to _______________________ by being committed to _______________________.
The sooner you undersand your specific personal or organizational mission, the sooner you will experience the gifts that come with the fulfillment of purpose in all that you do.
Do not tarry, Skillologist. Get started on the process of writing your mission statement today, and it shall direct your path.
