“To serve and protect” is probably the most popular mission statement of any organization throughout the United States. The simplicity and focus of that statement not only defines the role of a police officer, but also clearly describes how they serve the public.

Organizational culture is an outgrowth of a company’s guiding statements. These statements are the mission, vision and philosophy. Guiding statements clarify the purpose of your company and paint a picture of its future. They help every employee and customer understand why the company exists. Most guiding statements are written from a company’s perspective, but may also be written for a department, team or individual.

Each of the guiding statements has a specific focus, yet is interconnected to one another.

• The mission statement is a single sentence of no more than 25-30 words that defines the purpose, describes the people who you serve and the end-benefit of what you do.

• The vision statement is a single sentence of no more than 25-30 words that describes what you’d like to accomplish or be recognized as in the future. It should not describe the current state of the company.

• The philosophy may be a single statement or a collection of value-based promises made to key stakeholders. It basically describes the relationship you want to have with your employees, customers, vendors, and other people that contribute to your success.

Writing your guiding statement is one of the most difficult steps of the planning process because it requires an in-depth discussion of your purpose, desired future, and individual beliefs. It expresses the “heart” of the organization.

Below are the top 5 tips to ensure that you have well-written guiding statements:

1. Descriptive: The words chosen need to reflect the distinct competence and uniqueness of the organization.
2. Less is More: Each statement is no more than 25-30 words and is brief enough for most people to remember and even recite.
3. 8th Grade Language: Complexity is not clarity of communication. Since most people speak and read at an 8th grade level, use language that is easy for everyone to understand.
4. Make it Memorable: Guiding statements serve as a foundation from which day-to-day decisions can be made and behavior managed. Select appropriate, but dynamic words that serve as a source of focus and excitement.
5. Buy In: Involve your entire leadership team (i.e. Board of Directors and senior management) in the creation of the statements. Share the statements with all employees to help fulfill the mission, achieve the vision and follow the principles.

Sample mission statements:

Inspiring Solutions – “We enhance the attitudes and actions of leaders and their people through strategic planning and customized training programs.

A client of Inspiring Solutions - “We are a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, providing our residents with the highest quality of care and services, honoring their dignity and independence.”

Sample vision statements:

Inspiring Solutions – “We will be nationally recognized in the retirement living industry for inspiring people with practical solutions for positive change.”

Quality Inns - “We will pursue excellence and become the most recognized, respected, and admired lodging chain in the world.”

Sample philosophy statements:

Inspiring Solutions - We believe that quality is whatever the client says it is. Through on-going relationships with our clients, we can help clarify their situation and recommend a strategy to meet their needs. We believe in:

IBM’s Foundation
1. The individual must be respected.
2. The customer must be given the best possible service.
3. Excellence and superior performance must be pursued.

Although a difficult and sometimes painful process, once the guiding statements are created they don’t usually change unless the focus of the organization changes.

 
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