MISSION STATEMENT UNITES 
 

MANAGEMENT & EMPLOYEES

In today's sophisticated world - with increasing consumer demands, challenged economic growth, and greater competition - a mission statement can make more difference than you might imagine. Properly constructed and followed, a mission can draw management and employees together to achieve organizational objectives.

Specifically, a mission statement can :

· Provide a sense of direction and purpose to employees and management
· Articulate a philosophy and a set of values
· Help clarify the customer base and markets
· Provide a framework within which consistent and appropriate decisions can be made regarding resource use
· Create organizational synergy, and
· Give voice to your true business purpose.

In composition, the successful mission statement must be appropriately balanced - general enough to give purpose and direction, yet not unmanageable. It should be specific enough to exclude the extraneous, yet not limiting or rigid. Also, it should be created in consultation with employees. Employees with commitment to - and ownership of - the mission are more likely to act with initiative and concern in serving customers and the company.

While I may get disagreement on this, a mission statement can be very short and consise. Some may see this as more like a byline, slogan or unique selling proposition. A short, concise mission statement can provide the same unifying vision as a longer version.  

And management, too, must do more than pay lip service. As an owner or manager, clearly communicate your mission to employees and customers. Explain it! If it seems obvious, clarify what the implications or your expectations are! And keep your mission always in mind, consulting it for decisions large and small.

A missing mission can leave a business to flounder unfocused. A mission poorly constructed or ignored is wasted effort at best - at worst, counterproductive.

A mission carefully worded and followed, however, can help organize your business, boosting the bottom line and the satisfaction of all involved.

***These are excerpts from one of my first articles written back in 1994.