#19 Two questions to consider when writing your Mission Statement

A Mission Statement is a short statement that captures an organisation’s reason for existence. Aspirational in nature, it serves to empower, guide, and call people to action.
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It allows individuals and teams to align their work to a higher purpose and get absolute clarity on what they are signing up to be a part of. It should motivate and excite people. Steven Covey describes the process of creating a mission statement as one of the most powerful investments we can make.

Despite this, mission statements are often consigned to the board room wall, having very little impact on the people at the coal face. If the mission statement is not something that excites and inspires people, it is of very little value. 

Donald Miller uses the idea of narrative and storytelling as the basis of his work on creating a great mission statement. Why? Because people are hard wired to respond to a good narrative and want to be a part of an exciting and heroic mission.

When writing your mission statement, consider the following 2 questions before you begin:

1) What is the important story that my people are going to be a part of? 

​2) Am I creating a mission so compelling that it motivates people to act?