Writing a Personal Mission Statement

The wrifing of corporate vision and mission statements has become so common place it has become something of a cliche. Yet, the impulse behind all the visionary and missionary ink is well intentioned. The best corporate mission statements succinctly reflect a corporation s values by articulating (1) the company s reason for existing and (2) the targets and aims of its activities. Many companies benefit from the writing and distribution of a mission statement and the reasons are mainly fourfold  

The thinking that creates a mission statement helps clarify what is truly important for future success. 

Articulating mission creates a set of ideals to help guide future corporate conduct. 

Articulating mission to employees and stakeholders announces clear targets to those whose performance is needed for success. 

Announcing mission to customers and the public places pressure on the corporation to close the gap between corporate ideals and reality. 

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Write a personal mission statement as a list of mission elements preceded by a preamble. Challenge each mission element. Is it a platitude or is it something you believe in strongly Give the draft statement to a close friend, parent, or spouse for feedback. Carefully edit the final statement so that it is accurate, succinct, and memorable. 

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