How do I know if mission is good enough?

To confirm that your mission statement effectively communicates your organization's purpose and guides your actions, use the following tests:

1. Purpose and Direction Test

Why it matters: Your mission should clearly define why your organization exists and its primary objectives.

⬜ Does the mission clearly state why the organization exists?

⬜ Does it provide a clear direction for the organization's activities?

⬜ Can everyone in the organization explain the mission and its importance?

2. Customer Focus Test

Why it matters: The mission should address the needs and aspirations of the organization’s customers or beneficiaries.

⬜ Does the mission statement focus on the needs of our customers?

⬜ How well does it address what we aim to achieve for our customers or beneficiaries?

⬜ Are the benefits to the customers or beneficiaries clearly articulated?

3. Conciseness Test

Why it matters: The mission should be brief and to the point, providing a clear and concise statement of purpose.

⬜ Is the mission statement concise and to the point?

⬜ Can it be easily remembered and repeated by all stakeholders?

⬜ Is it free of jargon and complex language?

4. Inclusivity Test

Why it matters: The mission should be inclusive and resonate with all employees and stakeholders.

⬜ Does the mission statement resonate with all members of the organization?

⬜ Is it inclusive, inviting all stakeholders to participate in the mission?

⬜ Does it create a sense of belonging and purpose for everyone involved?

5. Action-Oriented Test

Why it matters: The mission should suggest actions and behaviors that are aligned with achieving the organization's goals.

⬜ Does the mission statement suggest specific actions or behaviors?

⬜ How well does it guide the daily activities and decisions of the organization?

⬜ Are the actions implied by the mission clear and actionable?

6. Measurable Test

Why it matters: The mission should provide a basis for measurable objectives and goals.

⬜ Does the mission provide a foundation for setting measurable goals?

⬜ Can progress towards fulfilling the mission be tracked and assessed?

⬜ Are there clear indicators or metrics that can be used to evaluate success?

7. Alignment Test

Why it matters: The mission should be aligned with the organization's values, vision, and strategic goals.

⬜ Is the mission statement aligned with the organization's core values and vision?

⬜ Does it support the strategic goals of the organization?

⬜ Are the mission, vision, and values mutually reinforcing?

8. Relevance Test

Why it matters: The mission should be relevant to the current market and societal context.

⬜ Is the mission statement relevant to the current market conditions and societal context?

⬜ Does it address contemporary challenges and opportunities?

⬜ Is it adaptable to changes in the external environment?

By systematically evaluating your mission statement against these tests, you can ensure it effectively communicates your organization's purpose, resonates with all stakeholders, and guides your actions toward achieving your strategic goals.