How to develop your Corporate Vision and Mission

Broadly, there are 2 schools of thought when come to determining if vision or mission should come first. I can relate why there’s this dilemma as some people found a purpose first followed by a vision statement, and in order for them to achieve this vision, they developed a mission; while others embedded their purpose in their mission statement and hence, that set the stage for where they will be heading with a vision statement.

There are no right or wrong way to go about it. Personally, I think what’s most important is to establish an ideology for your team to align. With this in perspective, I’m going to go with developing a vision which is purpose-driven, followed by a mission to help us get to our vision.

Below is a simple “3-Maps” process to look at our organizational history and culture egg before developing our vision and mission.

Organizational History Map

Prior to formulating our vision for the future, whether it’s mid- or long-term, it will be useful to review what we have been through as a team, a department or even a company. Below is an organizational history map to aid in developing the key events people have experienced, what teams values have been developed over time; as well as the present day’s challenges, trends and needs.