And why do I have to have a mission statement?

In this series looking at WWW Who we are, Why we are & What we are, I previously discussed the Who and the Why, and am now addressing the What.

Our Vision statement says a lot about Who we are, but it explains more about why we are.

Our mission statement is the missing piece of the jigsaw and articulates What we are and how we are working towards our Vision.

A mission statement is a concise, inspiring declaration of a person or organisations journey towards fulfilling their purpose. It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making, outlining what an individual or organisation is aiming to achieve and how it plans to set about doing it. 

Easy, eh! Not quite as getting clear on your mission can be challenging.

Here’s a 6-step process for getting clear on your mission and writing a powerful mission statement.

Step 1: Reflect on your values and beliefs

You will have looked at these when reflecting on your Vision. Whereas your vision had a dreamlike quality, your Mission is more of a practical, “So how are we going to do it?” question. Take some time to reflect on your values and beliefs. What do you really stand for? What do you believe in? Your values are a foundation for your mission. Do you need to change anything now that the practical reality hits home?

Step 2: Identify your strengths and passions

Your mission is the statement of intent. So how will you achieve it and what resources do you need? Think about what you’re naturally good at and love doing. What brings you joy and fulfilment? When working in your flow, you’ll be more productive, more engaged, and more likely to make a positive impact.

Step 3: Consider your experiences and achievements

Think about the experiences and achievements in your life that have been meaningful to you. What did you learn from them? What did you enjoy about them? How will you use them while on your Mission?

Step 4: Brainstorm potential mission statements

You already know what’s needed, but you now know what skills, passions and experiences you possess. Connect with what you can best do and recognise what you can’t best do. Sometimes recognising what you ought not to be doing is as important as knowing what you should be doing.

Step 5: Refine your mission

Sleep on it and revisit the first four questions each day for a minimum of two days and more if needed.

Step 6: Write your mission statement

With your mission refined, it’s time to write your personal mission statement. Keep it simple, clear, and memorable. Make sure it inspires you and aligns with your values and beliefs. Your mission statement should encapsulate what you want to achieve and how you plan to do it.

Here’s an example of a Personal mission statement: –

To empower entrepreneurs & leaders to claim their gifts and connect with their purpose to become agents for positive change.

And a Business Mission statement: –

Our mission is to empower leaders to tap into their unique gifts and passions to connect with their purpose and become positive change makers in the world. We believe everyone has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and it is our goal to help individuals discover and nurture their leadership skills in order to create meaningful and lasting change.

We provide coaching, professional development, and community building, we strive to create a supportive and empowering environment that helps leaders realise their full potential and make a positive difference in the world.

In conclusion, a mission statement can be a powerful tool for clarity, direction, and motivation. Be brave because you are setting a standard and your customers will hold you accountable when you share it. Remember your mission statement is a declaration of your intent. Now you must make it a reality.

PS the above examples are my Mission statements.