My mission statement
It has come to my attention that most successful enterprises have a mission statement. These documents help identify what a company is all about, what values guide it, and what it wants to accomplish. Reading mission statements is a great way to come to the understanding that all companies are interested only in the common good.
For instance, Alliant Techsystems, which is in the business of blowing people up, includes this in its mission statement:
"We are committed to conducting business in an ethically and socially
responsible manner."
Philip Morris’s mission statement reads, in part:
"Our goal is to be the most responsible, effective and respected developer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products, especially products intended for adults."
Exxon-Mobil lists this among the bullet points in its mission statement:
"Success depends on our ability to consistently satisfy ever-changing
customer preferences. We pledge to be innovative and responsive, while
offering high quality products and services at competitive prices."
Wow.
These examples illustrate how important it is for any enterprise to define its purpose in realistic and meaningful terms. I figure this applies to individuals, as well. So, I’m going to take a crack at drafting a mission statement for myself.
The mission statement of Dylan Belden, Inc.:
- Striving to provide high-value services that ensure positive outcomes while avoiding negative impacts for stakeholders.
- Leveraging core competencies to maximize burrito consumption.
- Implementing a non-stop commitment to value-added processes that secure a unique niche in the global marketplace, and pursuing this goal 24 hours a day (with occasional pauses for bathroom breaks).
- Improving the outlook for later generations by molding a first-class future adult through the extensive use of thoughtful parenting techniques and frequent exercises in advanced Lego engineering.
- Limiting sleep-fulfillment successes of downstairs neighbors by playing loud music at all hours of the day.
- Providing a satisfying and rewarding experience for recreational partners by adhering to a service-oriented approach to social and romantic interaction.
- Keepin’ it real.
- Contributing to the profit margins of Sony Pictures, Transom Films and all related producers and benificiaries by mentioning the Lost Skeleton to anybody who will listen.
- Remaining committed to a continuous process of hard-fought, bitterly agonizing self-improvement despite the fact that it usually sucks ass.
