Mission statements are supposed to be really important, along with vision and values, for an organization to have purpose and alignment and the like.
Look at this list actual mission statements below. I confess the meaning of a mission statement is lost on me. I can’t tell what it is that the company or organization is actually doing. So if you’re starting an organization, does this mean you can pick any one of them? They all have good purposes and apparently they’re working.
Maybe a mission statement like this could work just as well: “to make money so the world can be a better place” or “to make a difference in the world by providing good jobs and making great products” or “to give people a great experience“. Yes?
Look for yourself ::
“… to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with (us).“
“Be America’s Best Quick-Service Restaurant“
And, these mission statements, all from Fortune 500 companies:
To help all people live healthy lives.
To nourish and delight everyone we serve.
Bringing the best to everyone we touch
Our purpose is to enrich the lives of people we touch.
… to earn money for its shareholders and increase the value of their investment.
Profitable growth through superior customer service, innovation, quality and commitment
… to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential.
Be the best in the eyes of our customers, employees and shareholders
Undisputed Marketplace Leadership
To supply outstanding service and solutions through dedication and excellence.
to provide products and services to the market which meet or exceed the reasonable expectations of our customers.
Our mission is positive outcomes.
We are a market-focused, process-centered organization that develops and delivers innovative solutions to our customers, consistently outperforms our peers, produces predictable earnings for our shareholders, and provides a dynamic and challenging environment for our employees.
Serving Others For Customers A Better Life For Shareholders A Superior Return For Employees Respect and Opportunity
Our goal is to be the leader in every market we serve, to the benefit of our customers and our shareholders.
We are committed to attracting, developing, and keeping a diverse work force that reflects the nature of our global business.
We will provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that improve the lives of the world’s consumers. As a result, consumers will reward us with leadership sales, profit, and value creation, allowing our people, our shareholders, and the communities in which we live and work to prosper.
We will continue to build a corporate culture that respects and values the unique strengths and cultural differences of our associates, customers and community.
Our mission is to design, manufacture, and deliver products and services that meet the unique needs and expectations of each customer.