Mission and Vision Statements... how important are they?

LT Col Burns--sir, in my experience, the actual statement usually is too complicated; what is more important is to find more than one ability to truly SHARE a vision. Not many leaders can do that well. Such statements are a good step in that direction, for it helps crystallize the idea of the leadership vision--the way we will accomplish the mission--the way we want to write our own headlines--in ways that can help everyone achieve unity of effort and synergy. I'm a fan of being able to explain, in a few simple words and short sentences, what I do, why I do it, and why it is important! It's not enough for a command to have one statement. Every person in the command should have their own statement about how they will do their part to support the mission and thereby make the vision a reality. Not vague, pie in the sky stuff. For example, I work at the USEPA. Our mission is to protect human health and the environment using sound science. Our vision is a sustainable planet, where everyone can eat, breathe, and live in a healthy world. My job is to help tell that story.
(when politics allows us to be heard).

Maj Burns,

I believe Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Plan are critically important documents that should be reviewed annually and approved by board and executive leadership. In addition they need to be public and far more than a mere public relations tagline. They are essential vehicles for defining and focusing internal and external stakeholders on our goals.

Take RallyPoint for example. Wouldn't it help everyone better understand the nature of the website we are using if there were public Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Plans?

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Sir if you don't have a goal their is nothing to shoot for.