Mission, Vision, and Values

Get clear on why your organization exists.

 

1

Vision Worksheet

Your vision tells the world what the future looks like when you achieve your goals.

Coming soon.

2

Mission Worksheet

Your mission tells the world HOW you will accomplish your vision.

Coming soon.

3

Core Values Worksheet

Your values guide your organization. They are a benchmark for decision-making.

Download here

“We sent your mission, vision, and values survey to our employees. We were shocked at how few staff knew the mission.”

— name, CLIENT

Aren’t vision statements for internal staff only?

We believe most organizations get the vision wrong. They focus the vision on where they want to be in the future (i.e. the leader in xyz) rather than how they want the future to be for the groups they are serving. Effective vision statements are your purpose - why you exist and how your organization will make a difference in the world.

What’s the difference between a mission and vision?

Most organizations use their mission statement to explain why they exist, which is actually your vision. We believe the mission explains how your organization will achieve your vision. By structuring your vision and mission this way, you create a clear path for how your organization can move forward, and which is easily understood.

Example:

Kahn Academy mission: To provide a free, world‑class education for anyone, anywhere.

This is clear and memorable, although we argue that this is a vision statement. They aren’t able to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere yet. A more effective mission would state how they plan to provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. (We could not find a vision statement on their website.)

We’re a nonprofit. Employees should feel good about the work already. Are core values really necessary?

Core values support your vision and mission, and shape the culture of your organization. Core values are the yardstick you can use when your organization makes decisions. They should be brief, between 3-5, otherwise it will be near impossible for staff to recall them. Read this brief article from 7 Geese on why core values are important.