Mission statements

Highlights from this issue

How to avoid alienating your customers when supporting a social cause.

Departments need to be able to define their own approach to achieving the company’s collective goals.

Four key questions to ask as part of the process.

A unified purpose will engage stakeholders, bind them together, and propel them toward their goals.

Panera’s founder on looking beyond the numbers.

How to bridge the gap between profit and genuine societal contribution.

Three strategies to keep your employees focused on the big picture.

By personalizing purpose, businesses can boost productivity and job satisfaction.

Mission, vision, and values are not enough.

Five tips to help you avoid cliches and write something memorable.

A five-part framework for leaders.

Align what matters to you as an organization with what matters to your employees.

What are the bedrock principles underlying your company’s mission? This issue’s Spotlight package examines how understanding and openly recognizing them leads to enhanced relationships with stakeholders and stronger business performance.

Step one: Make sure your purpose statement includes key stakeholders. Step two: Make sure your KPIs align.

At a time when many stakeholders are drawn to purpose-driven companies, leaders often struggle with the concept. What is the meaning of “purpose”? What purpose will best serve the needs of your organization? How can it benefit both society and the bottom line? This issue’s Spotlight examines those questions and more.

Your why may not be what you think it is.

Transform your job from something you endure to something that brings you meaning.

How business tactics can help you set priorities at home.

Strategy begins with a clear decision about what business you’re in.