Strategic Mission is typically finalized after the entire planning process. It is achieved after carrying out the mission analysis and development of the detailed strategic initiatives and objectives.
Why is Strategic Mission Important
A strategic mission is important because it provides a clear and compelling sense of purpose for an organization. A well-defined strategic mission statement outlines an organization’s core values, objectives, and goals, and helps to guide decision-making and actions at all levels of the organization. Strategic mission influence the allocation of resources and determine where efforts and investments should be focused. It ensure that resources are aligned with the most important goals. Strategic mission also articulate reasons for our existence that inspire passion and motivate collective action across an organization. They create a sense of purpose and meaning for employees and key stakeholders
What Makes up Strategic Mission
A Strategic Mission comprises of the following:
Clear and compelling purpose: Articulates an inspirational and compelling reason for existence. It motivates and inspires key stakeholders.
• Long-term orientation: Focuses on goals that extend 3-5 years or more into the future. It’s not constrained by short-term priorities or tactical steps.
• Alignment: Aligns key goals and objectives across different levels of the organization, from strategic to operational. It helps ensure unified progress.
• Differentiation: Helps establish a unique identity and points of differentiation from competitors. It shapes how the organization presents itself to both internal and external audiences.
• Key priorities: Identifies the most important goals, themes, and priorities to guide strategy, planning, resource allocation, and decision making. It determines where efforts should be concentrated.
How to Prepare a Strategic Mission
The first step is to review your vision and values. Your mission should align with and help realize your vision and core values. Make sure the mission do not contradict these foundational elements.
Identify key priorities. Determine the 2-3 most critical goals, priorities or themes that you want to focus on. The mission as an end goals should highlight and encompass all the critical goals
Determine your reason for existing. Why does your organization exist? What problem does it solve? What value does it provide? Your mission should reflect this fundamental reason for being.
Consider your differentiators. How are you uniquely positioned versus competitors? How can you leverage your strengths and key differentiators in your mission? A compelling mission highlights what makes you stand out.
Good Example of a Strategic Mission
Here is an example of a well-crafted strategic mission statement:
“Our mission is to connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. When you join LinkedIn, you get access to people, jobs, news, updates, and insights that help you be great at what you do.”
This strategic mission statement from LinkedIn is effective because it:
- Clearly communicates the company’s purpose: To connect professionals and help them be more productive and successful.
- Identifies the priorities and the target audience: Professionals who are looking to build their networks and advance their careers.
- Outlines the benefits of using LinkedIn and the values it provides: Access to people, jobs, news, updates, and insights that help users be great at what they do.
- Is concise and memorable: The statement is easy to remember and communicates the essence of the company’s mission in just a few sentences.
Some good examples of mission statements are as follows:
Tesla: “To create the most compelling electric vehicles and sustainable energy solutions for the world.”
Amazon: “To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
Doctors Without Borders: “To provide impartial medical relief to the victims of war, disease, and natural or man-made disaster, without regard to race, religion, or political affiliation.”
Microsoft: “To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”
Summary
In summary, a strategic mission provides a clear and compelling sense of purpose, outlines an organization’s core values, objectives, and goals, and helps to guide decision-making and actions at all levels of the organization. Finally, a strategic mission serves to articulate the reasons for our existence that inspire passion and motivate collective action across an organization.