The terms "vision" and "mission" are often used in the context of organizations, businesses, and other entities to define their purpose and aspirations, but they refer to different concepts.
Mission
- Definition: The mission statement defines the fundamental purpose of an organization. It describes what the organization does, who it serves, and how it serves them. It focuses on the present and explains the organization's reason for existence.
- Purpose: The mission helps to guide decision-making and aligns the team around a common goal.
- Example:
- Google: "To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."
- Tesla: "To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy."
- The American Red Cross: "To prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors."
Vision
- Definition: The vision statement outlines what the organization aspires to become in the future. It provides a long-term goal and paints a picture of the desired future state of the organization.
- Purpose: The vision serves as a source of inspiration and direction for the organization's efforts and strategic planning.
- Example:
- Microsoft: "To help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential."
- Oxfam: "A world without poverty."
- TED: "To spread ideas."
Summary
-
Time Frame:
- Mission: Focused on the present.
- Vision: Focused on the future.
-
Content:
- Mission: What the organization does, who it serves, and how.
- Vision: What the organization wants to achieve in the long run.
Both mission and vision statements are essential for guiding an organization’s strategy and embodying its core values, and they often work best when they complement each other.