What is a Mission Statement? [Definition + FAQs] (2024)

Learn what makes a Mission Statement unique, and how to write one. Includes frequently asked questions about Mission Statements.

Updated on March 4th, 2022

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A mission statement is a brief description of why a company exists. It states the goal of the organization and describes the nature of the product or service. Every company should have a mission statement to show its purpose. In order to reveal the goals of an organization, the mission statement should articulate what the business does, how it operates, and why the business does what it does.

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How to Write a Mission Statement:

1. Define your business's purpose.

It's crucial for a business to share the value of its products or services. In this step, describe what the company does for its customers, discuss the problems it solves or the needs or wants it fulfills, and how it does this.

For Example:

"The purpose of my business is to provide accounting services to customers in remote areas through our reliable video conferencing and secure file sharing solutions."

This example includes what the business offers, describes its value, and mentions a problem and how the business can solve it.

2. State what the company does for its employees.

A mission statement must incorporate what the business offers to its employees. This step includes a brief outlook of the qualities and culture of the company. Depending on the type of company you have, your company could provide multiple products or services. However, because mission statements are very brief, only include 1-3 qualities.

For Example:

"At [company name], we ensure our employees have access to fair compensation, creative workspaces that encourage teamwork, and a wide variety of growth opportunities."

This example mentions at least three qualities or opportunities provided by the company.

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3. Describe the company's goals and objectives.

The whole purpose of a mission statement is to mention what your company strives to achieve and deliver, whether it's excellent customer service or superior quality. This step should reveal what the company desires for its future. It specifies what should be done to achieve the mission. Goals and objectives should be measurable and realistic.

For Example:

"[Company name] strives to always deliver high-end quality products and excellent customer service."

4. Be specific and brief.

Be mindful not to use jargon as it may be ineffective, making it difficult to remember. When writing your mission statement, be concise by keeping it straight to the point.

How many characters should a mission statement have?

This depends on your business. We recommend a character limited of between 140 and 450. However, many medium to large-sized businesses, mainly in the corporate industry, opt for lengthy and more detailed mission statements.

10 Mission Statement Examples:

Company Name

Statement

Apple

To bringing the best user experience to its customers through its innovative hardware, software, and services.

Google

To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Amazon

Serve consumers through online and physical stores and focus on selection, price, and convenience.

Tesla

To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy.

Pentagonia

Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

Facebook

To give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.

Walmart

To save people money so they can live better.

Nike

Do everything possible to expand human potential.

Starbucks

To inspire and nurture the human spirit — one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

Microsoft

Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

Mission Statement vs. Vision Statement:

Businesses often combine their mission and vision statements to create a full statement about the business's long-term objectives, values, and overall purpose. However, the two statements are not the same thing. A mission statement is a concise and short description that defines a business's goals and it's strategy for reaching these goals. A vision statement refers to the business's desired future position in the industry or community it's trying to grow in.

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FAQs:

What is a good mission statement?

A good mission statement should be inspiring and reveal the values of the company. The most effective mission statements reflect the company's culture and assist in leading it into the future.

How do you write a mission statement?

  • Summarize the company's purpose.
  • Discuss what it does for its customers and employees.
  • Describe the company's goals and objective.
  • Be concise.

What are the 3 parts of a mission statement?

The three components of a mission statement include the purpose, values, and goals of the company.

What are the 9 components of a mission statement?

  • How the company will benefit customers.
  • Products or services on offer.
  • Geographical markets in which you operate.
  • Commitment to growth and financial survival.
  • Core values of the company.
  • Strengths and competitive advantages.
  • Social and environmental responsibility.
  • Treatment of employees.

How long should a mission statement be?

A mission statement should be between 2 and 4 sentences, and should not exceed 100 words.

What is a Mission Statement? [Definition + FAQs] (2024)

FAQs

What is a mission definition statement? ›

A mission statement defines the organization's business, its objectives, and how it will reach these objectives. A vision statement details where the organization aspires to go. Why does your company exist? What do you hope to accomplish in the next several years?

What is a mission statement and what questions does it answer? ›

It is the summation of your organization's core reason for being, answering the question, “Why are we here?” A mission needs to boldly state why you exist, and what impact you hope your organization has on the world.

What are the four 4 main questions the mission statement asks? ›

What do we do? How do we do it? Whom do we do it for? What value are we bringing?

What are 3 key things that your mission statement should answer? ›

The mission statement answers three (or sometimes four) basic questions about the organization:
  • Whom does the organization serve?
  • What does the organization do?
  • Why does the organization do it?
  • [Optional] How does the organization do it?

What are the 3 parts of a mission statement? ›

What are the three parts to a mission statement? A mission statement includes what a company does, the organization's purpose, and/or what it wants to achieve, and its values or how it wants to achieve those goals.

What is the main purpose of a mission? ›

A mission explains how you will achieve your purpose and ultimate goals. You may know your purpose, but how will you fulfill it? Your mission helps you create a plan and outline the steps you need to accomplish your goals. It shows whether you're making progress or not or if you need to change your strategy.

How do you identify a mission statement? ›

Mission statements are usually included at the very beginning of the company's annual report or in the Chairman's letter to shareholders. These reports can usually be found on a company's Investor Relations web site, and through the Mergent Online research databases. International Directory of Company Histories.

What is a mission statement for dummies? ›

A personal mission statement or personal philosophy is what you feel you would like to become in your life. It is an internal process and needs to come from the core of who you are. There are no right or wrong answers; defining your mission statement is just a way to put your purpose or calling into words.

What are the essentials of a mission statement? ›

A good mission statement should be concise, clear, and consistent with your values. It can be used as a compass and a benchmark to guide your organization. It's key to have a business mission statement that resonates with your employees, quality of customer service, and shareholders.

What two things should a mission statement address? ›

A mission statement is important because it outlines a company's objectives, what it wants to accomplish and why its efforts matter. It also provides employees with a set of moral guidelines to abide by and gives the public a greater understanding of the company's goals, values and purpose.

What are mission questions? ›

The following five “mission questions” are designed to keep a business focused on what matters most.
  • Why are we here in the first place? ...
  • What does the world need most that we are uniquely able to provide? ...
  • What are we willing to sacrifice? ...
  • What matters more than money? ...
  • Are we all on this mission together?
Dec 22, 2013

What are the 5 W's of the mission statement? ›

The mission statement is a clear and concise statement (one simple sentence) of what the unit is assigned to accomplish. It expresses the unit's primary task and purpose represented by the "five Ws" -- When (time), Who (unit), What (task), Where (grid), and Why (purpose) for the mission assigned.

What is a strong mission statement example? ›

Microsoft: “Our mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” TikTok “ Our mission is to capture and present the world's creativity, knowledge, and moments that matter in everyday life.” Vivint: “Vivint helps families live intelligently in safer, smarter homes.”

What is a strong mission statement? ›

Your mission statement should clearly express what your brand does, how it does it, and why the brand does it. You can quickly sum this up in your mission statement by providing the following: Brand purpose. What does your product or service do or aim to offer and for whom? Brand values.

What is a good example of a mission statement? ›

Mission Statements. “To empower creators to make their best work and get it in front of the audience they deserve.” “To connect the world's professionals to make them more productive and successful.” “To give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.”

Which is an example of a mission statement? ›

Starbucks“To inspire and nurture the human spirit- one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Coca-Cola: “The Coca-Cola Company exists to benefit and refresh everyone who is touched by our business.”

What is the difference between mission and mission statement? ›

A mission, in other words, is an assignment—a set of tasks that need doing in service of a wider ambition. With the vision of a better future to inspire them, the mission statement brings this idea closer to the real world, with a more practical and definite set of goals.

What is an example of a mission and vision? ›

Mission: Our mission is to provide insightful solutions that drive value and success for our clients by allowing them to focus on their business. Vision: Be the world's authority on helping organizations focus on what matters.

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