Mission vs. Vision: What’s the Difference?
In a previous video, I gave some advice on how to write a mission statement. However, there is a lot of confusion between the mission versus the vision of an organization. I mentioned this difference briefly in the video blog, but here is a table that will help you gain greater clarity between the two. If you are still confused, please watch our video “Mission-Vision-Values: The Foundation of Every Great Company“, or contact me directly. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you and help you gain the clarity you need as a business leader.
| Mission | Vision | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | Why? | What? |
| Definition | Statement | Snapshot |
| Length | Short | Long |
| Purpose | Informs | Inspires |
| Activity | Doing | Seeing |
| Source | Head | Heart |
| Order | First | Second |
| Effect | Clarifies | Challenges |
Mission answers the question “Why do we exist?” Vision answers the question “What will the future look like as we fulfill our mission? What will be different?” While mission is about today, vision is about the future, what we will become.
Your mission can and should be written in a short, concise statement. It should pass the “T-shirt” test, meaning, it should be able to be printed on a t-shirt and still be readable. The vision needs to be more than a statement. It should be a description. This description may be a paragraph or a whole page. It should paint a picture of the future that will come to be as we carry out our mission.
Download our FREE Ebook “Mission, Values, Vision: The Comprehensive Guide to Creating the Mission, Values, and Vision For Your Company.”
Do NOT Have Two Statements!
Some books and consultants encourage business and organizational leaders to write two statements, a mission statement and a vision statement. However, when companies have two statements those statements begin to compete with each other and no one remembers either. Also, employees typically fail to see or value the difference between the two statements.
So I recommend writing ONE statement, and make that your mission statement. Once you have clarity around your mission, then you are ready to dream about the future and how it will be different. That’s your vision! To read more about vision see our index of posts about vision.
Continue to Grow as a Leader
If you’re interested in continuing to grow as a leader let me encourage you to download our FREE ebook “Mission, Values, Vision: The Comprehensive Guide to Creating the Mission, Values, and Vision For Your Company.” This will help you increase your leadership capacity and impact! Also, you may consider engaging a coach. An experienced coach will help you grow faster and stronger! Contact us if you want some guidance in implementing your mission and vision at your organization!
Download our FREE Guide to developing the Mission, Values, and Vision of your organization
