Mission statements: why bother?

If your business has a Mission Statement that no-one knows let alone follows, why bother?

If your business doesn’t have a mission statement, why doesn’t it?

True missions are not just formulaic motherhood statements, they provide a framework on which to

• Identify gaps and opportunities

• resolve divergent views – even your own unresolved thoughts!

• declare a cohesive attitude

• ensure unanimity of purpose

• specify purposes into measurable parameters or objectives

Once developed, they

• provide an operating standard and general tone

• succinctly mesh internal and external influences

• serve as a focal point.....a constant reference

• and belong in the hearts and minds of all stakeholders

• do not belong in frames on walls....forgotten like last century’s wallpaper!

These are the reasons to bother.

If your business couldn’t be bothered, don’t deceive yourself, everything your business does - or doesn’t - sends a message. The question is what messages are being sent to the customers you want and need?

Mission Statements aren’t everything and they are just part of the beginning but they provide the foundation on which to build your big goals. When well formulated they are a liberating focal point.

What’s to lose?