The mission statement, do you have one?

The mission statement, another basic requirement necessary to assure orderly and focused growth and development of any business.

I see so few of them and when I do see them they must be dusted off and reviewed as they are infrequently referred to, thus seldom play the important job they are meant to provide.

So what is a mission statement and why is it so important, what role does it play in your reaching your goals?

Simply stated, a carefully stated mission statement identifies your primary goals and objectives. The very purpose you are in business.

It further may identify your objectives regarding your relationship with your customers, your employees, your vendors and your community. Your mission statement is a statement of the owners goals you intend to achieve.

I recently visited my tire store which is a small chain of about 20 stores in my area, and noticed on the wall a blow up of the corporate mission statement. I was delighted and impressed that the owner was so committed to his mission that he proudly displayed it for all to see. In fact he had it further printed on his business card and the cards of all his managers as he understood the role such a statement has on everyone involved in his business and therein is the basic purpose it serves, to state the purpose of the business, and to help all involved to hold the line, see and understand the vision and thus more easily deliver the results the mission statement requires.

As for customers, what a great thing to share with them as it tells them exactly what you stand for and thus gives a customer a rare opportunity to better understand the philosophy and objectives the business owner has and is implementing through his business enterprise.

Every business owner should follow the lead of my tire store owner, posting his mission statement on the wall for all to see and on the managers business cards.

What can the mission statement do for you?

It helps you hold the line. My example of the tire store chain, it states very clearly that it is his mission to deliver the best possible tires at the best possible price with the best possible service. Thus when I asked for a brake job, or if they installed shocks, the manager pointed at the mission statement which talked only about tires and I understood.  The owner actually intended to follow his mission statement and sell only tires.

So whats the point here. The point is if one understands with great clarity exactly what ones mission is then one will be less likely to launch programs that are not part of the mission statement.

I see example after example of businesses entering into different areas of experice and service, expansion in a word, only to lose their way, lose their focus and lose their money. It may have seemed like a good idea, but had the owner stayed focused on the purpose of his company as stated in the mission statement he may have avoided frolics and detours from his predetermined path, and possible losses

I also hear frequently owners re-committing themselves, their resources and their companies to get back to doing what they do best…whatever that may be, it is a very common call to action, a re-commitment to their stated purpose, their original mission, suggesting that they experimented, diverged from the plan and now realize it was a mistake probably costing them lost profits and forcing an analysis which results in a re-commitment to return to the tried and true mission, the basic purpose of the company… the mission statement

The mission statement should be drafted when the business plan is being contemplated and drafted. This is an important part of the process as you are in the midst of planning your entire business, making huge commitments, creating the company, hiring workers, and setting the stage for the launching of your company.

This is the moment that the owner should create the mission statement and then design the company with this in mind so it can be effectively delivered. It therefor becomes a very serious and important document that deserves to be the guidepost it was intended to be, keeping you on track and helping you avoid wrong turns.

Does this mean you cannot ever make growth decisions that may include expansion and development of your capabilities. Absolutely not, of course one can always adjust or improve the mission statement, and reflect current thinking and consideration. However if this process is done carefully and in full view and consideration of the established mission statement, it may be an improvement, it may also be a disaster but of course growth can ways happen.

It is not a restriction but merely a guidepost, reminding you why you exist and what your goals and objectives may be. It is a reminder of why you began this company and what your intended mission was.

Presumably most of you have already started your company, and may have already written a mission statement, or it may have been skipped over. It is never too late. Review it if it exists and reconsider if it truly reflects your intended mission. If you do not have one take the time to create a mission statement as soon as possible.

Most important however is to use and refer to your mission statement, and whenever you are considering growth and development that takes you away from your specific mission, recheck  your mission statement and make certain your decision is well thought out and not inconsistent with your primary goals as reflected in the mission statement.

The mission statement does not hold you back from growth and development, but the original intent is clearly stated and is an excellent reference point. Make certain your decision is a good one and when in doubt invest in your core mission, and you will never make a mistake.  Call if you need some help 413-549-2966.