I have always been ‘bewildered’ with the concept of a mission statement.
In my non MBA, marwari mind, it always smelt of wasting time about something that had little significance.
I mean how can you define what you want to do; the business you will conduct; the target you will achieve and even the goals you will accomplish in one ‘mission statement’
It is one of those ‘off site’ agendas – to sit back, ‘ruminate’ on business, life and the world at large and then come up with something very prophetic…. something that you forget like you did your last hangover.
AT WORST – its an excuse for ‘Management Consultants’ – or THUGS IN SUITS (as I call them) to think and ‘discuss’ and conduct ‘group’ sessions with the top management of the Company, in pursuit of some MUMBO JUMBO that costs lacs of rupees.
ON A MISSION (STATEMENT) ?!!!
Mission statements DO HELP in ‘minimising’ the core thought of a business and doing some ‘soul searching’ to really understand what you want to do in your business – but that’s about it.
Printing these missions statements on corporate balance sheets, sending them as memos to staff and just reciting them as 2nd grade poetry doesn’t work for me.
I BET that no one even remembers this mission statement after a few hours or days of it being finalized.
In the case of start up’s the MISSION STATEMENT is very clear – EXIT PROFITABLE!
What more needs to be said?
I think Companies today are changing so rapidly that no ONE MISSION STATEMENT can be the Bible to live the future with.
Consider these Missions Statements of some of the Fortune 500 Companies:
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The Dow Chemical Company
2030 Dow Center Midland, MI 48674
Mission Statement
To constantly improve what is essential to human progress by mastering science and technology.
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The Estee Lauder Company
767 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10153-0023
The guiding vision of The Estee Lauder Companies is “Bringing the best to everyone we touch”. By “The best”, we mean the best products, the best people and the best ideas. These three pillars have been the hallmarks of our Company since it was founded by Mrs. Estee Lauder in 1946. They remain the foundation upon which we continue to build our success today.
10401 Monroe Rd. Charlotte, NC 28201
Mission Statement
For Our Customers A compelling place to shop. . . by providing convenience and low prices For Our Associates A compelling place to work. . . by providing exceptional opportunities and rewards for achievement For Our Investors A compelling place to invest. . . by providing outstanding returns
Fedex Corporation
942 S. Shady Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38120
FedEx will produce superior financial returns for shareowners by providing high value-added supply chain, transportation, business and related information services through focused operating companies. Customer requirements will be met in the highest quality manner appropriate to each market segment served. FedEx will strive to develop mutually rewarding relationships with its employees, partners and suppliers. Safety will be the first consideration in all operations. Corporate activities will be conducted to the highest ethical and professional standards.
1 American Rd. Dearborn, MI 48126-2798
We are a global family with a proud heritage passionately committed to providing personal mobility for people around the world.