Could This Be The Perfect Mission Statement Formula?

I was reading a fascinating article from the Harvard Business Review on the subject of Mission Statements. The article featured Kevin Starr, the executive director of the Mulago Foundation. Mulago channels investments to socially minded businesses, particularly those which are seeking opportunities to invest in “lasting change that goes to scale.”

Quoting from that very Harvard article, “Most companies, regardless of their sectors, have a mission statement. And most are awash in jargon and marble-mouthed pronouncements. Worse still, these gobbledy-gook statements are often forgotten by, misremembered, or flatly ignored by front line employees.

“To combat this, Starr insists that companies he funds can express their mission statement in under eight words. They also must follow this format: ‘Verb, target, outcome.’ Some examples: ‘Save endangered species from extinction’ and ‘Improve African children’s health. Once the mission statement is established, Starr insists that companies that get investment ‘measure the right thing’ and ‘measure it well.”

I wanted to include this information and insight in my own blog, as I know too many individuals and companies which have had the question of how to formulate their own mission statement. Particularly one which would be accurate, but also inspiring. I believe that writing a company or personal mission statement can add much clarity and direction for any business endeavor.

What is Your Mission Statement Formula?

“If you don’t know where you’re going, it doesn’t matter which way you go.” — Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland

Although this mission statement formula may not be a correct fit for everyone, I do see that it could help many small business people and entrepreneurs. A well-crafted Mission Statement can shed light on resolving any problems or questions that they may be having when it comes to branding their company and motivating their executives, team members and supporters.