With competing priorities for life and work, a mission statement acts as your guiding star, aligning your actions with your true purpose. But not all mission statements are created equal. Some are rambling, unfocused, or so generic that they fail to inspire. If you’re crafting a mission statement—whether for your life, business, or church— three words help you create one that truly resonates.
Why Your Mission Statement Needs Clarity
When traveling to teach as one the international team for Living On The Edge, we often emphasize the importance of a mission statement. But clarity is key. A mission statement should inspire insiders to focus on what matters most, not simply be a marketing strategy for outsiders. Ask yourself: does your mission statement align with your passions and priorities?
Here’s how to ensure it does.
1. SHARP: Focus on What Matters Most
Avoid vague, politically correct language or generic slogans that try to address multiple causes trying to include everyone means you’ll inspire no-one. Instead:
- Identify Your Core Passion: What change do you truly want to see? List everything you do or could do, then eliminate the non-essentials.
- Be Specific: This isn’t about what you aspire to do; it’s about what matters so much you’ll perspire to get it done.
For example, when our church leadership team at Ivy began defining our mission 16 years ago, we focused sharply on the unique difference we felt called to make. That clarity enabled us to create a statement that continues to guide us.
2. SHORT: Keep It Memorable and Repeatable
A great mission statement is simple, not complex or wordy. It should be:
- Easy to Share: If your team needs to check the website every time they talk about your mission, it’s too long.
- Memorable: Print it on T-shirts, post it on social media, engrave it on plaques! The more it’s repeated, the more it becomes part of your identity.
When we got our mission statement at Ivy boiled down to “KNOWING, GROWING, GOING,” it became easy for everyone to remember and share. Simplicity fosters communication with connection and consistency.
3. SHARED: Make It a Collective Vision
Mission statements are most powerful when they’re owned collectively, not imposed by a single leader. (I’m still learning the hard way not to wander so far off into the distance you lose everyone who’s meant to be following), to make your mission statement shared:
- Collaborate: Invite others to contribute their perspectives and ideas. People are more likely to embrace a mission when they feel part of its creation.
- Align Your Team: Discuss what difference you want to make together, ensuring everyone sees themselves in the mission.
During my early leadership at Ivy, we worked together as a team to craft a mission statement that reflected both our history and directed our future. The result? A shared mission that has unified us as we journey toward a common goal.
Your Mission in Action
A mission statement isn’t just a set of words—it’s a tool to guide decisions and inspire action. Take the time to:
- Evaluate your current mission statement: Is it SHARP, SHORT, and SHARED?
- Brainstorm with your team: What’s your mountain? What route will you take together?
Reflect and Share
Share your mission statement in the comments or tag the blog on social media. Let’s inspire each other to craft missions that truly make a difference.
A focused, memorable, and shared mission statement can transform your life, business, or organisation. By keeping it SHARP, SHORT, and SHARED, you’ll create a mission that not only inspires but also endures. It’s your turn: What’s your mission?