About vision statement and mission statement

Some people may get confused on the differences of the vision statement and mission statement. Here is a helpful explanation from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission_statement

Organizations sometimes summarize goals and objectives into a mission statement or a vision statement:

• A vision statement describes in graphic terms where the goal-setters want to position themselves in the future. It may describe how they see events unfolding over 10 or 20 years if everything goes exactly as hoped.
• A mission statement resembles a vision statement, but has a more immediate focus. It details what one will do today to attain one's goal, purpose, or mission. Ford's brief but powerful slogan, "Quality is Job 1" could count as a mission statement. However, most mission statements involve more detail, often describing who will do what, for whom, how, and why. For example: "Our mission consists of meeting or exceeding the demands of business-computer users by offering a level of service that surpasses anything available in the Tritown area while providing our employees with a stimulating environment in which to grow and providing our shareholders with a return above the industry-average."

Vision statements often appear more graphic and more abstract than mission statements, which tend more to the concrete and the proscriptive. A vision statement "paints a picture" of ideal future outcomes. Whereas the mission statement provides immediate guidance; a vision statement inspires. An athlete might have a vision of walking up the steps to a podium where she accepts a gold medal. Her vision statement might describe this event.

In the 1980s, Bill Gates had a simple vision: "A personal computer on every desk, and every computer running Microsoft software." Variations of this vision have allegedly inspired and guided him throughout his career (anti-monopoly law suits notwithstanding).

Features of an effective vision statement may include:

• clarity and lack of ambiguity
• painting a vivid picture
• describing a future
• memorable and engaging expression
• realistic aspirations
• alignment with organizational values and culture
• subjection to customer needs (in the case of a vision statement for a business organization)
  

In order to become really effective, an organizational vision statement must (the theory states) become assimilated into the organization's culture. Leaders have the responsibility of communicating the vision regularly, creating narratives that illustrate the vision, acting as role-models by embodying the vision, creating short-term objectives compatible with the vision, and encouraging others to craft their own personal vision compatible with the organization's overall vision.