From Susan M. Heathfield,
Your Guide to Human Resources.
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Mission or Purpose is a precise description of what an organization does. It should describe the business the organization is in. It is a definition of “why” the organization exists currently. Each member of an organization should be able to verbally express this mission.

Additionally, each person needs a mission for his or her life. The alignment of your life mission with your organization’s mission is one of the key factors in whether you are happy with your work and workplace. If they are incongruent, you are likely dissatisfied with your work choice.

Mission Statement Samples

"Our goal is simply stated. We want to be the best service organization in the world." (IBM)

"FedEx is committed to our People-Service-Profit Philosophy. We will produce outstanding financial returns by providing totally reliable, competitively superior, global, air-ground transportation of high-priority goods and documents that require rapid, time-certain delivery." (Federal Express)

"To give ordinary folk the chance to buy the same thing as rich people." (Wal-Mart)

"Our mission is to earn the loyalty of Saturn owners and grow our family by developing and marketing U.S.-manufactured vehicles that are world leaders in quality, cost, and customer enthusiasm through the integration of people, technology, and business systems." (Saturn)

"In order to realize our Vision, our Mission must be to exceed the expectations of our customers, whom we define as guests, partners, and fellow employees.(mission) We will accomplish this by committing to our shared values and by achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction, with extraordinary emphasis on the creation of value. (strategy) In this way we will ensure that our profit, quality and growth goals are met." (Westin Hotels and Resorts)

Mission Statement Resources

This article is an excellent resource about personal mission statements: Using a Personal Mission Statement to Chart Your Career Course

FranklinCovey.com offers a Personal Mission Builder you will also find helpful as you develop your personal mission statement.

More of this article?

• Part 1: Strategy and Vision Statements

• Part 2: Mission Statements (You are here.)

• Part 3: Values and Value Statements

• Part 4: Value Statement Samples

• Part 5: Strategies, Goals and Action Plans

More Strategic Planning Resources

• How to Implement Strategic Planning: Vision and Mission Statement, Values

• Create Your Personal Vision Statement