A mission statement is a concise summary of a company’s purpose, values, and objectives. It is typically one sentence or a short paragraph. The length of a mission statement can vary depending on the company and its goals. However, it is important to keep the mission statement brief and to the point. The longer the statement, the less likely people are to read it.
Key Facts
- Length: A mission statement is typically one sentence or a short paragraph.
- Conciseness: It is important to keep the mission statement brief and to the point. The longer the statement, the less likely people are to read it.
- Word Limit: It is recommended to keep the mission statement to no more than 25 words.
- Evolution: A mission statement should evolve with the business. It may need to be revised as the company’s goals, culture, and targets change.
Conciseness
The mission statement should be concise and easy to understand. It should be able to be understood by anyone, regardless of their background or knowledge of the company. A good mission statement should be able to be summarized in a few key words or phrases.
Word Limit
There is no set word limit for a mission statement. However, it is generally recommended to keep the mission statement to no more than 25 words. This will help to ensure that the statement is concise and easy to remember.
Evolution
A mission statement is not a static document. It should evolve with the business. As the company’s goals, culture, and targets change, the mission statement may need to be revised. This will help to ensure that the mission statement remains relevant and meaningful to the company.
Conclusion
The length of a mission statement can vary depending on the company and its goals. However, it is important to keep the mission statement brief and to the point. The longer the statement, the less likely people are to read it. A good mission statement should be able to be summarized in a few key words or phrases. It should also be able to evolve with the business as the company’s goals, culture, and targets change.
Sources:
- Investopedia: Mission Statement
- Business.com: The Art of Words: How to Write the Perfect Mission Statement
- HubSpot: 32 Mission and Vision Statement Examples That Will Inspire Your Buyers
FAQs
How long should a mission statement be?
A mission statement should be concise and easy to understand. It is typically one sentence or a short paragraph, and it is recommended to keep it to no more than 25 words.
Why is it important to keep the mission statement brief?
The longer the mission statement, the less likely people are to read it. A brief and concise mission statement is more likely to be remembered and understood by employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
Can a mission statement be longer than one sentence?
Yes, a mission statement can be longer than one sentence, but it is important to keep it as brief as possible. A longer mission statement may be necessary for companies with complex goals or operations. However, it is important to avoid using jargon or technical language that may be difficult for people to understand.
Should a mission statement be reviewed and updated over time?
Yes, a mission statement should be reviewed and updated over time. As the company’s goals, culture, and targets change, the mission statement may need to be revised. This will help to ensure that the mission statement remains relevant and meaningful to the company.
Who should be involved in the process of creating or revising a mission statement?
The process of creating or revising a mission statement should involve a diverse group of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and other stakeholders. This will help to ensure that the mission statement reflects the values and goals of the entire organization.
How often should a mission statement be reviewed?
There is no set timeframe for how often a mission statement should be reviewed. However, it is generally recommended to review the mission statement at least once a year, or more frequently if there are significant changes in the company’s goals, culture, or targets.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a mission statement?
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a mission statement include:
- Using jargon or technical language that may be difficult for people to understand.
- Making the mission statement too long or complex.
- Focusing on the company’s products or services rather than its purpose or values.
- Using vague or ambiguous language.
What are some examples of effective mission statements?
Some examples of effective mission statements include:
- Google: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
- Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.”
- Starbucks: “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”