What is a Vision Statement & How to Write One
A vision statement almost sounds mystical. But itโs not supernatural, far from it. Rather, a vision statement is a foundational business document.
There is a lot paperwork that clutters the office of any organization, but the vision statement is unique from the rest. Often confused with a mission statement, the vision statement has a different purpose. ย A vision statement looks towards the future, but a mission statement talks about what the company is doing in the present.
Because the vision statement is a foundational document that will guide the companyโs direction for years to come, consider usingย project planning toolsย andย brainstorming techniquesย to get input from everyone on the team. That way, youโll get greater buy-in from the company, and youโll widen your net for collecting ideas.
“A vision statement almost sounds mystical. But itโs not supernatural, far from it. Rather, a vision statement is a foundational business document.”ย
What Is the Purpose of a Vision Statement?
A vision statement isnโt a pie-in-the-sky document that collects the shared fantasies of the organization and then is filed away. Similar to aย mission statement, itโs a living document that is referred to as a lodestar to lead a company to its next innovation.
Some might think a vision statement is a waste of time, but it fills a vital need for the company. For instance, it sets a broaderย strategic planย for the organization. Itโs very easy to get bogged down on the day-to-day details of running an organization. The vision statement helps you plan long-term.
You can set whatever goals you want, but, without motivating your employees to achieve that goal, chances are youโre not going to get anywhere. A motivational vision statement will bothย motivate existing employeesย and also drive talent to the company. Theyโll want to work at a place with vision.
A strong vision statement also works to help differentiate your company from others. All companies want to become profitable, but a company that can set an agenda to achieve that goal is going to set itself apart and inspire others. Use a vision statement to focus the efforts of the organization on the core competencies it needs toย achieve its goals.
