Missions
A mission statement is a brief, concise statement which defines
the organization you are in, for whom, and why. It is your purpose
and reason for existence and it defines your unique
contribution.
About Mission Statements
The mission statement clarifies from each member's point of view
the focus and direction of the team. Accomplishing the mission of
the team should take the team toward its vision. The mission
statement should be somewhat uplifting but more practical and here
and now than the vision, and should be no more than a paragraph in
length. Only team members should be involved in its development.
The purpose of the mission statement is for each member to be very
clear on what the team is about. Each member can then make
independent decisions when necessary, knowing that each person's
decisions will help the team move in the right direction.
Therefore, a clear consensus process and opportunity for discussion
are essential to writing a useful mission statement.
Mission Actions
The mission statement process generally is a structured,
step-by-step process of brainstorming key words and phrases;
collecting them via round robin from team members; discussing and
clarifying ideas and concepts; then drafting statements until one
is agreed upon by the entire team.
Questions To Consider
- What is our unique contribution to the organization, that would
not be happening if we did not exist?
- Who is our customer - to whom do we deliver our outputs?
- What are the interests/priorities of our customer?
- What are the boundaries (organizational or geographic) within
which we operate?
- How would we like to be seen by our customers - or to be known
within the organization?
Sample Mission Statement
To foster an environment which promotes teamwork as the
fundamental means by which each member can pursue excellence
through quality.
The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership
Programs can provide you with materials that your organization can
complete in order to create a mission statement.