Mission Statements: Do You Know Yours?
Do you know if your company has a mission statement? If so, can you recite it from memory? Do you know where it is located in the office?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone; there are many people who know their company has one but have never really taken the time to read and understand it.
Why Your Mission Statement is Important
Mission statements help a company define objectives, identify goals and outline the priorities associated with their business. They also serve as an important tool to help employees understand the focus and future of their own office.
A mission statement should define a company’s purpose or the reason for its existence. It should describe what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and who you do it for. Its purpose is to provide a definition of the company and to provide employees a clear insight into how their individual roles play into your business goals.
A mission statement is a useful tool for streamlining priorities in order to best communicate your business’s passion for the services and products you offer. This statement is also important and useful in engaging and inspiring your team to know that they play a big part in company objectives and commitment to the practice.
How to Use a Mission Statement Well
Display your mission statement so patients and team members can read it. Have it printed and put it in a nice frame and display it. Take the time to memorize your statement and have your team memorize it also. This could involve prizes at a staff meeting for volunteers sharing examples of how they or others support the mission; another use might be a printed team t-shirt with the mission statement on the back.
Use it as a motivational tool to help inspire teamwork. Everyone plays a key role in the success of the practice. A mission statement should take center stage in the company’s foundational and strategic planning process.
Whether you’re part of a small office or large group practice, it’s important to take the time to develop these statements and encourage the team’s commitment to achieving the organization’s short and long-term goals.
Let your mission statement make a true impact and a real statement in your office.
About the Author
Audrey Clements, MAADOM, is the Office Manager at Yulee Family Dentistry in NE Florida. She has been in the dental field for over 30 years, beginning her career as a dental assistant and gradually working her way up to the role of Office Manager.
Audrey is a lifetime member of AADOM, achieving Fellowship in 2019 and her Mastership in 2022. She is currently the Vice President of her local NE Florida AADOM Chapter.
