It is part of human nature to have dreams and goals in life. When we reflect on what are goals are, we tend to think big. When it comes to setting our priorities in life, we need to compartmentalize our goals to reflect a central purpose. This is where having a vision statement becomes a central tool to reflect our vision of what we want to accomplish in life.
A personal vision statement illustrates how people see themselves in the future. It symbolizes a person’s hopes and goals which in turn inspires a sense of purpose in life. In business, a vision statement is often described as a picture of what the company will look like in the future. It is what the company inspires to be and the values, goals, and strategies that will be implemented to achieve success. It does not list specific strategies or details, but is intended to outline what a company will look like in the future. It is basically a framework to success.
A vision statement illustrates the actions one must take to achieve success in order to track progress as well as evaluating and reevaluating one’s vision to maintain the vision. Writing a vision statement does not tell you the methods you will use to meet your vision, but how you are going to get there. Once you have a vision statement on paper, your decisions will reflect the statement as you work to achieve the vision.
The vision statement helps to provide a focal point for the mission of the business or organization. A mission statement is more concerned with the overall aim of the business, while a vision statement is concerned with what a company will be in the future. When creating a vision statement for a business, a good starting point can be listing your central values. Value statements are usually brief and to the point.
Vision statements can take many forms. The following questions are designed for a business owner and associates to think about and answer before sitting down to write a vision statement:
• What will success be like for me?
• Why did I start the business?
• If I left the business in 10 years, what legacy do I want to leave behind?
• What am I really providing for my customers other than products and services?
• If my business became everything I dreamed, what would it be like?
Examples of vision statements:
“McDonald’s vision is to be the world’s best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile.” (McDonalds)
“Create experiences that combine the magic of software with the power of Internet services across a world of devices.” (Microsoft)
“In five years, no child in our country will go hungry.” (Children Charity)
Along with individual and business visions statements, any type of organization can have a statement. This can include charities, religious institution and groups, sports groups, youth groups, community groups, social organizations…etc. Vision statements inspire, motivate, and help everyone involved remain focused on the definitive goal.
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