Mission vs Vision

Companies summarize their goals and objectives in Mission and Vision statements. Both these things serve different purposes for the company but are often confused with each other. While a mission statement describes what the company wants now, the vision statement describes what the company wants to be in the future.

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Improve this chart | Mission Statement | Vision Statement |

About: | A Mission statement talks about HOW you will get to where you want to be. Defines the purpose and primary objectives. | A Vision statement outlines where you want to be. Communicates boththe purpose and values of your business |

Answer: | It answers the question, “What do we do?” | It answers the question, “Why are we here?” |

Time: | A mission statement talks aboutthe present leading to its future. | A vision statement talks about your future. |

Function: | It lists the broad goals for which theorganization is formed. Its prime function is internal, to define the key measure or measures of theorganization's success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders. | It lists where you see yourself some years from now. It inspires you to give your best. It shapes your understanding of why are you working here |

Change: | Your mission statement may change, but it should still tie back to your core values and vision. | Your vision should remain intact, even if the market changes dramatically, because it speaks to what you represent, not just what you do. |

Developing a statement: | What do we do today? For whom do we do it? What is the benefit? | What do we want to do going forward? When do we want to do it? How do we want to do it? |

Features of an effective: | Purpose and values of theorganization Who are theorganization's primary "clients" (stakeholders) What are theresponsibilities of the organization towards the clients? | Clarity and lack of ambiguity Paint a vivid and clear picture, not ambiguous Describing...