Mission statements are not meant to hang on a wall. Instead, they embody the essence of an organization's existence. Yet, in the rush of daily operations, their importance often fades. Enter strategic planning—a crucial opportunity to review these statements purposefully.
But what exactly do mission statements do? At their core, they define an organization's "why," grounding everyone in a shared sense of purpose amid the chaos. A mission statement is not just a document but a guiding force that shapes every organizational decision-making and action. When seamlessly integrated into daily routines, it fosters clarity, alignment, and accountability—essential for a thriving organizational culture.
A well-crafted mission statement must succinctly answer three vital questions: What does the organization do? What do stakeholders gain? What values drive these actions? The result should be a concise, relevant, and unforgettable statement.
Consider the following mission statements from two well-known companies. Hershey's, a chocolate manufacturer, once embraced the vague mission statement of "undisputed marketplace leadership." Aspirational, maybe. Vague, absolutely! This statement needs to identify what the company does, how it plans to achieve this, or what specific impact it aims to make.
On the other hand, Walmart, a multinational retail corporation, developed a specific and inspiring mission statement. They pledge to "save people money so they can live better." This statement is clear and ambitious, outlining their intention to offer affordable prices to improve customers' quality of life. It resonates because it communicates a straightforward goal with meaningful implications for their customers.
This comparison highlights how a clear and purposeful mission statement, like Walmart's, can be more effective in guiding an organization than a vague one, like Hershey's.
To measure a mission statement's effectiveness, leaders must assess its alignment with the organization's purpose, resonance in the market, ability to motivate employees, and clarity and feasibility. If it meets these criteria, the organization is poised for success. The strategic planning process is an ideal time to review and evaluate a mission statement's effectiveness. Failing to do this often leads to poorly created strategic plans that are not grounded in an organization's reason for existence.
Organizations that craft clear and compelling mission statements stand to gain enhanced clarity, alignment, and accountability. Embracing and embodying their purpose is not just a task but the cornerstone of sustained success, impact, and long-term viability.
Need assistance addressing short- and long-term Human Resources, leadership development, or strategic planning needs? Contact me at steve.black@brixeyandmeyer.com, and our team will address them proactively.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice, but merely informed opinion or general information meant for no particular purpose. Issues addressed in this article often implicate federal, state, and local labor and employment laws. This article is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Readers should consult labor and employment counsel to determine whether their policies, procedures, decisions, or courses of action comply with such laws.