When you have a clearly defined purpose and set of values for your business, then it is time to consider what your mission is. How are you going to create a business that encompasses those values and demonstrates its purpose? Your mission is the steps that you take to do just that.
Your mission for the business combines the purpose with competencies and areas of excellence, the customer, the marketplace, and all things tied to making your business grow. As you consider your mission, you must take into account your shareholders.
There are a large number of people who fall under this umbrella:
- Employees
- Investors and shareholders
- Customers
- Partners
- Suppliers
- Board of directors
- Community
- Environment
Crafting Your Mission Statement
As the leader of your organization, it is important to clearly define the mission for anyone that is impacted by it, such as your stakeholders. A well-crafted mission statement can be the most effective way to do that.
Mission statements are different for each company. It depends on the leader, the business, and the audience. There are some similarities though that can give you a structure on which to build one for your own brand.
A mission statement can be any length, so long as it details the nature of the business, now and in the future, the purpose of the business, the values that you follow, and a description of how your business works.
While a mission statement can seem overwhelming to create, it is a simple thing that brings clarity about your business to anyone invested in its success while empowering your customers and employees. It reflects your own passion and purpose in driving the business in the right direction. Even on days where things seem to be going off course, reminding yourself and your team about the mission statement can help get everyone working together to get back on the right path.