Mission:

Defines the fundamental purpose of an organization or an enterprise, succinctly describing why it exists and what it does to achieve its vision. For example, the charity above might have a mission statement as "providing jobs for the homeless and unemployed".

Characteristics of a Mission Statement

1. It should be feasible 2. It should be precise 3. It should be clear 4. It should be motivating 5. It should be distinctive

Mission Formula
Develop the statement: Now that you have the raw data, it is time to be creative and put your statement together. Write key words or statements down on a large sheet of paper looking for common themes. Put those themes into a couple of sentences, read over, refine and come up with a final product. Make sure that a consensus exists within the entire organization. If you want a bit more structure, here is one formula you can use:

The mission of (organization) ___________ is to __________, ____________,and ___________ (three or four of your power words) [to, for with]__________________________ (core value or values) for the purpose of ______________________ (relate to main purpose - uniqueness etc) by__________________________ (how will you do it? - uniqueness and special contributions).

Mission Statement Checklist ----How is Your Mission?

1. The mission statement is clear and understandable to all personnel, including rank-and-file employees 2. The mission statement is brief enough for most people to keep in mind. This typically means35 words of less. 3. The mission statement clearly specifies what business the organization is in. This includes clear statement about:Q What customer or client needs the organization is attempting to fill, not what products or services are offered. Q Who are the organizations primary customers or clients? Q How the organization plans to go about its business i.e. What its primary technologies are? Q Why the organization exists, i.e. the overriding purpose that the organization is trying to serve and its transcendental goals. 4. The mission statement should identify the forces that drive the organizations strategic vision. 5. The mission statement should reflect the distinct competence of the organization. 6. The mission statement should be broad enough to allow flexibility in implementation but not broad enough to permit a lack of focus. 7. The mission statement should serve as a template and be the means by which managers and others in the organization can make decisions. 8. The mission statement must reflect the values, beliefs, and philosophy of operations of the organization. 9. The mission statement should be achievable. It should be realistic enough for the employees to buy into it. The wording of the mission statement should help it serve as an energy source and rallying point for the organization

Vision:
Outlines what the organization wants to be, or how it wants the world in which it operates to be (an "idealised" view of the world). It is a long-term view and concentrates on the future. It can be emotive and is a source of inspiration. For example, a charity working with the poor might have a vision statement which reads "A World without Poverty."

Essential Characteristics
1. A vision is related to mission, but different. I have already covered this characteristic in my previous post. A vision moves beyond the generic mission of the church to the specific calling a particular congregation is hearing from God.

2. A vision is unique. In a previous post, I noted that mission is why we exist in the first place. A vision, on the other hand, is a concrete description of what God is calling us to do in near future, normally defined as the next 3-5 year. The shorter time period is essential because most of congregations cant and shouldnt make detailed plans beyond that. The situation that we face is too likely to change and we arent in a position to predict very well what those changes might me. Nevertheless, a vision pictures where a particular congregation should be concentrating its efforts in the near future.

3. A vision focuses on the future. Any congregation that has any history at all needs to connect its future plans with what has happened in the past. Without a clear expression of that connection, the vision may meet with a great deal of resistance. At the same time, the focus of a vision is on Gods preferred future for the congregation. It pictures what a congregation believes God wants its future to look like.

4. A vision is for others. When congregations can only think of themselves, mission is stifled. A vision helps a congregation to concentrate on meeting needs, especially the needs of those not currently being served by the congregation. The vision isnt directed toward a specific goal for success however that may be defined. Rather it aims at outcomes, results and contributions for others.

5. A vision is realistic. Vision isnt a dream with no connection to a concrete situation. Instead vision is grounded in the history of the congregation and addresses the context in which the congregation ministers. There needs to be hope that the vision can take place. Tomorrow Ill offer 5 more characteristics of a vision.

The coca cola company

MissionOur Roadmap starts with our mission, which is enduring. It declares our purpose as a company and serves as the standard against which we weigh our actions and decisions.

To refresh the world... To inspire moments of optimism and happiness... To create value and make a difference.

VisionOur vision serves as the framework for our Roadmap and guides every aspect of our business by describing what we need to accomplish in order to continue achieving sustainable, quality growth.

People: Be a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best they can be. Portfolio: Bring to the world a portfolio of quality beverage brands that anticipate and satisfy people's desires and needs.

Partners: Nurture a winning network of customers and suppliers, together we create mutual, enduring value.

Planet: Be a responsible citizen that makes a difference by helping build and support sustainable communities.

Profit: Maximize long-term return to shareowners while being mindful of our overall responsibilities.

Productivity: Be a highly effective, lean and fast-moving organization.

TVS Motor Company

MissionWe are committed to being a highly profitable, socially responsible, and leading manufacturer of high value for money, environmentally friendly, lifetime personal transportation products under the TVS brand, for customers predominantly in Asian market and to provide fulfilment and prosperity for employees, dealers and suppliers.

Vision Statement
1.TVS Motor - Driven by the customer

TVS Motor will be responsive to customer requirements consonant with its core competence and profitability. TVS Motor will provide total customer satisfaction by giving the customer the right product, at the right price, at the right time.

2. TVS Motor - The Industry Leader

TVS Motor will be one among the top two two-wheeler manufacturers in India and one among the top five two-wheeler manufacturers in Asia.