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.

 MissionVision
AnswersWhyWhat
DefinitionStatementSnapshot
LengthShortLong
PurposeInformsInspires
ActivityDoingSeeing
SourceHeadHeart
OrderFirstSecond
EffectClarifiesChallenges

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 the mission is about today, the vision is about the future, and what we will become.

Your mission statement 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.

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, making 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 Of A Growing Business

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!

Glenn Smith is a sought-after Executive Coach with over two decades of experience. Recognized for his strategic insights and leadership training, Glenn has been a guiding force for more than a hundred successful small to mid-sized businesses. Merging data-driven strategies with profound insights into human behavior, he aids business owners and executives in realizing their fullest potential. A respected thought leader, Glenn has contributed to numerous business publications and is a popular keynote speaker. Outside his professional realm, Glenn cherishes family time and outdoor activities. He is a pilot with over 30 years of flight experience. He is also a professionally trained gunsmith and a firearms instructor. His dedication to fostering leadership and driving transformative change marks him as a premier figure in executive coaching.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/houstonbusinesscoach/

27 thoughts on “Mission vs. Vision: What’s the Difference?”

  1. I appreciate every bit of your coaching technique, but please i want know how to measure our Mission statement by our Vision statement

  2. AMIT KUMAR SINGH

    Dear Sir/Mam,

    I want to know ,how to write own mission & vission statement …
    plz give me some ideas…..

    Thnx & Regards

  3. Sir, I want to write The important of mission, The Biblical foundation of Mission, What major can we learn from today and What is the mission approach (or) Relevant in today context. pls could you share me your idea?

  4. Respected sir,i'm cconfused.pls i'm interested to know how to write vision and mission statements.

    For business purpose.

  5. I will be responsible for the academic office in our physiology society …. i need some tips on how to write my own mission and vision regarding the academic office …….. thanks

  6. What are the difference between vision and mission
    what are the purpose of vission and mission in life and my own life

  7. pls how can I get a mission and vision for my cleaning company and the picture of how the future will look like if our mission is accomplish. thanks sir

  8. njingun joel awa

    am believing to have a dream of opening a school .pls dont know how to go about its mision and vision statement

  9. I do believe this topic is being misunderstood a lot. It can simply be said:
    Vision – where do you want to go?
    Mission – How do you get there?

  10. Thanks for the thoughtful discussion. I found the table comparing mission and vision particularly useful.

  11. Fine suggestions and extremely true. One of the vital important things bloggers, or almost any enterprise, are capable of doing is never surrender. Even though instances are powerful it is essential to be there to your viewers and prospects since they will be gonna just remember you in the good light as soon as issues get much higher and you can be rewarded with your hard works.

  12. Thank you very much sir, how do I write develop a good mission & vision statement for my business sir?

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