Mission Statements

Hi Everyone,

Today, we touched on mission statements in class.  What is a company's mission statement?

A mission statement is a statement of the purpose of a company, organization or person, its reason for existing. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making.

For example, here's the VCC mission statement:

"Vancouver Community College serves a diverse urban community by providing excellent programs and services that prepare learners for ongoing education, direct entry into employment, career advancement, and greater participation in the community."

Here's the mission statement of the VCC Learning Centre (in the library):

"The Vancouver Community College Learning Centre is committed to supporting students in becoming strong, independent learners in a positive, respectful environment. Our professional tutors provide VCC students with individualized assistance and comprehensive, quality resources. The Learning Centre team helps students develop the skills and strategies they need to achieve their learning goals in their current VCC coursework."

Here's the current Apple mission statement:

"Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad."

This is radically different from Steve Jobs' original ideals, which are summed up in his mission statement: "To make a contribution to the world by making tools for the mind that advance humankind." This reflects Jobs' ethos and statements from his family members after his death – that what satisfied him most was watching kids use Apple products in the classroom.

Here's the Starbucks mission statement:

"Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time."

Here's the McDonald's mission statement:

“McDonald's brand mission is to be our customers' favorite place and way to eat and drink. Our worldwide operations are aligned around a global strategy called the Plan to Win, which center on an exceptional customer experience – People, Products, Place, Price and Promotion."

What's your personal "mission statement" in life?!

Here's the link to the Food Network promo for the series about the BC town of Mission going on the 100 Mile Diet.

Happy Easter Weekend!