A mission statement is one or two sentences that say what an organization does, who it serves and why. It guides decisions inside the company and tells customers, staff and partners what the business stands for. Startups write one for a business plan, nonprofits for grant applications, and schools and clubs for their websites. It’s different from a vision statement, which describes the future you want rather than what you do today.
This page gathers 30+ mission statement templates and examples. You’ll find a blank template, a plain template, brief and detailed mission statement examples, and a set of mission statement samples. All are editable and free to download.
If you’re unsure how to write a mission statement, start with a long draft and cut every word that could apply to any company. A quick test: if a competitor could use your statement unchanged, it’s too generic.
A mission statement guides other planning documents. You may also need our business model templates, marketing plan templates and company profile templates to share your mission with clients.
Simple Mission Statement Examples
Detailed Mission Statement Example
Mission Statement Template
Plain Mission Statement Template
Blank Mission Statement Template
Sample Mission Statement
Mission Statement Example
Mission Statement Samples
Brief Mission Statement Example
Career Mission Statement Template
Draft Mission Statement Template
Vision Statement Worksheet
Company’s Mission Statement
Significance of a Mission Statement
No matter what business you run, what unique products or services you offer, how much you have invested or how large your organization is, it is all a waste of time and resources if you don’t know how to introduce your business properly. For example, even a very successful writer or business tycoon is unknown until they are introduced or know how to introduce themselves. For this and many other reasons, the importance of a mission statement cannot be ignored. It is more than just a piece of paper. Here are some of the reasons why a mission statement matters.
- The goals and targets in a mission statement give the company a clear path and direction. In short, a mission statement answers the ‘HOW’ question.
- It reminds all the personnel of an organization why they are there. It removes any ambiguity employees may have about their roles and responsibilities.
- A mission statement drives the organization’s decision-making, because decisions must be made and initiatives taken to achieve its objectives and goals.
- A mission statement also helps the organization’s leadership judge whether its decisions were right or wrong. If a decision was right, it can be applied more consistently. If it was wrong, the errors can be corrected.
- A mission statement helps an organization focus on its future, that is, its vision. A mission and a vision are not the same, but they are related. The mission is the key to the vision, and it guides you toward what you want to achieve in the future.
- A mission statement and the goals and objectives it sets out help management form different teams within the workforce to achieve different tasks. When each team knows its targets, its performance contributes to achieving the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Most importantly, a mission statement helps keep the organization united. It encourages all members to think about the benefit of the organization as a whole rather than their personal gains or interests.
Creative Mission Statement Examples
Mission Statement Worksheet Template
Mission Statement Detailed Worksheet
Colorful Vision Statement Template
Stylish Vision Statement Example
Personal Mission Statement Sample
Couple Financial Mission Statement
Decent Mission Statement Template
Lengthy Vision Statement Example
Formal Mission Statement Sample
Mission Statement Colorful Design
Elegant Mission Statement Format
Personal Mission Statement Sample
Step Wise Mission Statement Example
Corporate level Mission Statement Template
Formal Blank Mission Statement Format
Mission Statement Guide and Worksheet
Personal Mission Statement Example
Company’s Mission Statement Template
Important Elements of a Mission Statement
Following are some of the key elements that should be included in an effective mission statement:
- Discuss the value of the business to both the customers and employees.
- The inspiration for people to work for your business.
- Discuss the plausibility of the business.
- Be specific about your principal activities.
- Discuss the value added by your business.
- Inspiration for the people to buy your products or services.
How to create an effective Mission Statement
There are many ways to create an effective and attractive mission statement. Here are some tips for creating one:
- Communicate the mission of the business in just a few sentences.
- Don’t use too much technical or complex language. The language of the mission statement should be simple and understandable.
- Avoid writing details in long paragraphs and keep the information brief and concise.
- The mission statement must be written so that it clearly shows the long-term goals or objectives of the organization.
- Don’t include statements that limit your business, because the ultimate purpose of a business should always be to expand.
- Don’t hesitate to take opinions from your employees about the mission statement. Carefully consider their suggestions or advice.
- Always welcome change. If, as times change, you realize that the existing mission statement is no longer suitable, it is time to modify it or write a new one.
Writing a Mission Statement That Guides Choices
Choose wording that explains whom the organization serves, what it contributes and the purpose behind the work. A mission should be more specific than a list of admirable values.
- Identify the audience or beneficiaries and the need addressed.
- Describe the organization’s distinctive contribution in plain language.
- Test the statement against real decisions and revise vague claims.
Worked Example
Example: “Help local students build practical reading confidence through accessible community tutoring” identifies a purpose and audience. “Be the best and deliver excellence” does not explain what the organization does or how choices should be made.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid promising to serve everyone or combining so many aspirations that the statement loses meaning. Keep supporting goals and values in their own sections.
Related Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a mission different from a vision?
A mission explains the organization’s purpose and work; a vision describes a desired future. They should be compatible without repeating the same sentence.
Should the mission contain performance targets?
Usually detailed targets belong in plans. The mission can guide those targets without becoming a list of short-term metrics.
