Activity: Personal Mission Statements
Completing your own personal mission statement can be a very private yet meaningful activity. Articulating what you care about, determining what does not matter to you, and thinking about your future can be a powerful exercise in finding direction in your work.
Purpose
Articulating what you care about, determining what does not matter to you, and thinking about your future can be a powerful exercise in finding direction in your work. It also helps mentor and mentee identify shared goals, and can lead to decisions about real-world projects that match your shared goals.
Time
30-45 minutes (15-20 minutes for individual reflection, 15-25 minutes for sharing)
Materials
Handout: My Personal Mission Statement, writing utensil, Slides: Personal Mission Statement Presentation (optional)
Who
Mentor and Mentee
What
- Answer the following questions individually and be prepared to share them with each other:
- Identify your core values. What are the ethics, attitudes, and characteristics that mean the most to you? See the Threads Culture website for some examples of core values.
- Pick three of your core values. Why are these values important to you? How did you learn these values? What is your definition of each of these values?
- How have these values been illustrated in your work or education? Describe at least one example of a time where you acted on each of your three core values (or did not !). What was the impact of following through on your values.
- Write a simple, short statement that describes your mission. Incorporate what your values mean to you and how you plan on following your mission in the future.
- Share your personal mission statements with each other to provide insight into what drives your thoughts and actions. These kinds of statements answer the question, “Why do I do what I do?” and provide direction when all of the participants are trying to choose a plan of action.
Tips
For more guidance in articulating your personal mission statement, read the Forbes Coach Council’s 13 Ways You Can Craft A Strong Personal Mission Statement.
Variations
Can be done in a large-group setting to identify shared goals across an entire team.
Materials
Make a copy of these slides (file>make copy) to edit and use in your own presentation about personal mission statements.
