The mission is the reason why something is done, while the vision refers to what you want to achieve in the future with what you are doing.
The main difference between one and the other is that the mission is immediate, precise and specific, since it is expected to materialize in the presentwhereas the vision can be more global and less specific, because it is a statement of what is aspired to in the long term.
In order to set out a mission, one must have a vision of where one is going. For this reason, the mission and the vision are stated at the same time and must be consistent with each other, since they both pursue the same objective.
| Mission | Vision | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Function expected to be fulfilled in the present. | Projection of what is expected to be achieved in the future. |
| Characteristics |
It is concrete, precise and specific. |
It is clear, graphic and global. |
| Example | “We are passionate about offering Mexican families wellbeing, through products and services of excellence, for the benefit of our people, shareholders, customers, suppliers and the community.” (Nestlé). | “Evolve from a respected and trusted food company to a respected and trusted food, nutrition, health and wellness company” (Nestlé). |
What is mission?
It is the reason The reason for performing a function. Although it can be defined on a personal level, this term is generally used within an organization, company or institution.
The mission can be precisely defined based on what it is possible to do in the present. Therefore, it will depend on the current situation, the activity, the environment, the available resources and the needs to be covered.
At the corporate or institutional level, it is the managers who make a mission statement. They take into account what they are, what they do, what their values are, the objectives they want to achieve and how to achieve them.
For this reason, the mission statement should reflect what the organization does, who it is aimed at and how it fulfills its objective.
Furthermore, it is the mission that indicates how the vision will be made possible.
What is vision?
It is a ambitious prospect into the future, while remaining realistic. It should be mission-related and reflected accordingly.
The vision plays a fundamental role in any personal or professional project that is envisioned in the long term, since it reflects the aspirations, ideal expectations or the desirable state that one wishes to achieve; it is the image that is set out to future.
The current environment is taken into account in order to determine the vision, since it depends on the present situation to mark a starting point, taking into account unexpected events that may arise.
Although it is more generic than the mission, the vision must be clear, aligned with the values proclaimed and generate commitment. In addition, it can be emotional because it inspires and encourages in difficult situations.
With a target The mission and vision can be conceptualized in a clear way.
Corporate mission and vision
At the corporate level, both the mission and vision must be aligned with the objectives general and principles working principles in order to move forward.
Both are statements that you seek to summarize in sentences to convey to team members. In this way, people are put in a context where they understand what to do and what to expect.
Sometimes, companies use the mission statement as an advertising slogan to reinforce the idea of the project, although in the end it goes much further.
A work team feels more motivated when they know the direction in which the project is headed. generates commitment.
The mission and vision can be determined by linking the means at your disposal with the goal you want to reach.
Examples of mission and vision
Mission
To organize the world’s information and make it useful and accessible to everyone.
Vision
To be the most prestigious search engine and the most important in the world.
Nike
Mission
To be the largest retailer of athletic shoes and apparel in the world.
Vision
To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete on the planet.
