Business Plan or Business Proposal

If you are submitting a mission statement, here is some information.

An example:

The mission of Cleveland Clinic is to provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve. 

The vision of Cleveland Clinic: Striving to be the world's leader in patient experience, clinical outcomes, research and education.

Statement of Values

Cleveland Clinic was established by visionary leaders who believed in simple, guiding principles. Six fundamental values form the foundation of the Cleveland Clinic's culture:

· Quality.  We maintain the highest standards and achieve them by continually measuring and improving our outcomes.

· Innovation.  We welcome change, encourage invention and continually seek better, more efficient ways to achieve our goals.

· Teamwork.  We collaborate and share knowledge to benefit patients and fellow caregivers for the advancement of our mission.

· Service.  We strive to exceed our patients’ and/or fellow caregivers’ expectations for comfort and convenience.

· Integrity.  We adhere to high moral principles and professional standards by a commitment to honesty, confidentiality, trust, respect and transparency.

· Compassion.  We demonstrate our commitment to world-class care by providing a caring and supportive environment for our patients, patients’ families and fellow caregivers.

Why is it important to know the organization's vision and mission statements before developing a project/plan?

People must understand the company’s vision and mission statements before developing a project plan because mission and vision statements assist in guiding employees towards reaching goals. Systematic and comprehensive assessments of both internal capabilities and external environments are analyzed. Leaders examine an organization’s strategic management process to reveal exposed and hidden opportunities, which should be implemented, monitored, and controlled (Pearce and Robinson, 2004). The mission and vision statement, therefore, serve as the cornerstones of an organization’s philosophy that support its strategic posture in the market. The statements identify the scope of its product and market operations, sets forth the image the firm seeks to project, and satisfies the primary needs of the customer. The mission and vision statement aids leaders in reaching desired end state goals by proposing the current methodology and intention and future prospectus for all stakeholders involved in project planning and strategic processes.

When combined, the mission, vision, and values of the company serve to put the focus of the company to becoming the leading source within the industry. When a CEO defines the mission, vision, and values, the information illustrates the purpose, philosophy, and goals of the organization. An organization’s mission and vision statements serve are motivational statements that announce the organization’s goals and aspirations to all stakeholders, including employees.  “A sound mission and value statement is brief, memorable, pragmatic, and inspiring” (Bain & Company, 2009).  In many industries, organizations revise the mission and vision statements due to frequently changing markets and customers conditions. 

            Employees of the organization must fully understand the organization’s mission and vision statements to develop a solid project or business plans.  One of the many purposes of the organization’s mission and vision statements will help focus employees on the highest objectives of the company. The statements, consequently, are the building blocks of corporate strategy, which provides the foundation for project plan development and execution. A sound mission and vision statement provides employees with the direction necessary to develop successful projects and plans to help the organization and its clients reach one's full potential.  An organization must clearly deliver the values and goals of the organization to identify new opportunities and remain competitive in the marketplace. 

            Successful organizations set goals that directly relate to their visions. From this stems actions and strategies to help leaders reach their goals. By having a vision and mission statement that supports an organization’s project or plan, the firm can control its destiny, instead of allowing outside forces to determine the direction a business wants to take. The objective is to work out strategic approaches and required daily actions to help the business reach its vision. The role of a project or plan is critical to the successful outcomes of an endeavor.  A vision must possess certain characteristics. Further, the work must be understood, motivational, credible, demanding, and challenging. While not all elements need to be fully active constantly for the success of a project or plan, the documents should be presented at some period during the project’s execution.

References:

Bain & Company. (2009). Mission and vision. Retrieved from http://www.bain.com/bainweb/Consulting_Expertise/capabilities_detail_asp?capID=92

Christenson, D., (2004). Understanding the role of “vision” in project success. Retrieved  from http://www.allbusiness.com/management/1042063-1.html.

Pearce, J., Robinson, R., (2004). Strategic Management: Formulation, Implementation and Control: Defining the Company’s Mission and Social Responsibility. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies.