Why You Need a Mission Statement and Core Values

Ask yourself, Will this decision bring us closer to our vision? Your mission and values can serve as a litmus test when you make decisions.

We believe long-term success stems primarily from culture. And culture is not something that just happens – there’s thought and commitment involved.

Years ago, Jay Bruber, our CEO and Vince Arnoldi, our President, crafted a mission statement, goal and defined our core values. And then they found ways to weave it into the everyday fabric of our company so it stays top of mind. We review these every quarter and every day team members have an opportunity to recognize each other for living out our values. We get dozens of submissions each month that we share with the team. 

We believe operating this way has been integral to our continued growth and success.

Mission: We make life easier through innovation and technology

Goal: To earn the right to be recommended

Core values: Honesty and integrity, excellence, customer-focused, passionate, and professional and charitable.

So you want to create your own mission, goal, and values? We give you a way to begin below.

A mission statement and a set of core values create a strong foundation where your team can thrive. When they are created thoughtfully and intentionally, your mission and values can serve as a template when you make decisions. Use them as a litmus test for everything:

•       “Does this applicant exude our values?”

•       “Do the proposed changes support our mission?”

•        “Will this decision bring us closer to our vision?”

Why Does Your Team Exist?

A strong mission statement will help you stay focused, grow and lead your team. When it’s well-written and succinct, a mission statement also helps you communicate the value and impact of your team.

How to Write Your Mission Statement

When you are writing your mission statement, put together a committee of team members and stakeholders. Your mission statement should answer three questions: what, how, and why.

•       What does your team do?

•      How does your team operate?

•     Why does your team operate?

Of these three questions, the most important is “why.” Why does your team exist?

To see examples of great mission statements, do a Google search for, “51 Mission Statement Examples from The World’s Best Companies.”

What Do Your People Have In Common?

Core values are the guiding principles of your team. They define your culture and outline the characteristics that everyone on your team should have. When your core values are clear, they attract like-minded people to your team. They ensure your team consists of people who will help it grow.

A lack of clarity on your core values can hinder your growth. Team members who don’t embrace your values can hurt your cause more than help it. However, until your core values are defined, there’s no way of knowing who lives by your values.

How to Identify Your Core Values

When you’re writing your core values, get everyone involved. Don’t write a list of values that you think sounds inspirational. Instead, get input from your team. Have everyone write answers to two questions. “What is important at our company? What is unique about working here?”

Then, with a smaller group, organize the answers. Identify the 5-7 themes that come up consistently, and define what each means for your team. Finally, give each value a name or catchphrase that’s appropriate for your culture. For example, do you want your value to be “flexible” or “roll with the punches”? Either is fine, as long as it resonates with your team.

To learn more about writing your core values, do a Google search for, “Core Values: The Secret to Creating a Thriving Company Culture.”

How to Hire – and Keep – the Right People

One of the best ways to build a strong culture is by hiring people who exude your values. Ask questions during the interview to see whether candidates will be a good cultural fit. Sample cultural questions include:

•        What type of work environment do you prefer?

•        What type of management brings out your best work?

•       How do your coworkers describe you?

In addition to hiring great people, it’s important to recognize current employees who model your values. Start a recognition program, and invite team members to nominate those who exemplify your values.

Once your mission statement and core values are defined, you have guidelines about how to act in every situation. Your mission determines how you run your team, and your values determine who you hire, fire, reward, and recognize.