4 Best Tips to Write a Compelling Mission Statement

Creating a mission statement for your organization is one of the best things you can do for it.

To write an effective mission statement, you need to know what makes up a great mission statement and what approach you need to take to create one.

A great mission statement appeals to everyone in your organization and across different channels.

In this post, I’ll share the whats, whys, and hows about mission statements. Whether you plan one for your personal and professional goals or whether you’re creating a mission statement for your company, this post will help you.

Why mission statements matter

For some people, mission statements come across as being old-fashioned and even cheesy. And they certainly can appear that way… until you find yourself lost and wondering how to get back on track with your goals.

A mission statement is a broad summary of your business’s (or your own) goals and values. And it’s important because it forms the foundation of your business culture. And it will inform the path you’ll take every time you have a difficult decision to make.

It also helps you bring the right people into your life and organization. Today, people don’t just care about rewards and recognition, they also want their work to stand for something meaningful. So, creating a mission statement tells others who you are and whether you’re a good fit for them.

Building your mission statement

If you’re convinced that you need a mission statement, then it’s time to start building it. Let’s take a look at practical steps you can take to start setting up a meaningful mission statement.

Draw up a list of values and beliefs

Your beliefs and values play the most important role in building a mission statement.

You need to figure out the WHY or PURPOSE of your business and work to form your statement. Defining your values will help you understand what motivates you and what matters most.

On a piece of paper or on a whiteboard, make a list of all values that pop up in your mind. I strongly recommend doing this with your employees and partners. Values like 'quality', 'honesty', 'autonomy', and many others are all valid and important.

When you draw up a list of values, you can pick the 3 most important ones and feature them in your mission statement.

Identify your best 'stories' and 'myths'

This tip is from the book Find Your Why by Mead, Docker, and Simon Sinek. In it, the authors recommend that you bring people together and ask them to talk about the great stories and heroic myths in your business.

If you're with a non-profit business, then the time the community went all-out to fulfill a fundraiser can be a major story. If you're an employee, you might think of the time someone went over and above to meet a commitment to a client.

Why tell stories? Stories from our workplace are like myths and fairy tales we hear from our elders. They have valuable lessons and highlight what's important. When you identify your stories, you'll find it easier to choose the values that matter most.

Build the mood

When drawing up your mission statement, set the mood with the right lighting and music.

You can even play white noise or sit outdoors in a peaceful spot. Being in the right frame of mind by choosing the right environment will help you craft an awesome mission statement.

Keep your mission statement short

When done correctly, a mission statement can be like a mantra. It should be easy to state and recall at any time. Which makes it more likely that you and your workmates will remember it.

Use freewriting

Freewriting is a technique where you set a timer and then start writing away. However, you never pause for any reason - not to edit, think, or correct a mistake. You write or type away without giving your fingers or mind a break until the timer goes off.

Keeping your mission statement as the guiding topic, start freewriting and allow your mind to expunge all surface thoughts. As time passes, you'll find that real, more creative thinking emerges. And you'll come up with a mission statement that feels right.

Use a free mission statement template

Did you know that you can find mission statement templates and generators online? The internet really does have everything you need.

A mission statement template can help you create a well-formed summary of your primary mission and goals.

If you're struggling to create a mission statement even with the help of this post, then using a template just might be for you.

Get feedback

Once you've set up your mission statement, you need to share it with others and hear what they think.

But share it with the people who will be impacted by it the most - like your teammates or employees. You'll get important ideas and feedback to improve your mission statement. You can get input through calls and real-life meetings. But also make sure you gather anonymous feedback to get real thoughts.

Some awesome mission statements

There's nothing like real-life examples to show you how to do something well. Here are some creative and powerful mission statements that should inspire you:

• Twitter: To give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly without barriers.
• Google: To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.
• BBC: To enrich people’s lives with programmes and services that inform, educate and entertain.
• Samsung: To devote its talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society.

There you go. I've just shared some helpful ways to build a mission statement with impact and some examples too. Use this guide as a way to make a clear mission statement that guides you towards an awesome future.