How to Write a Vision Statement

Ever wonder how to write a vision statement? Vision statements are a critical component of any great strategic plan. Strategic plans are about creating a different future, and that future is articulated in your vision statement. It needs to be brief, clear, and understandable while painting a picture of where you are going and why.

Mission and vision statements often get confused. The big difference is “where.” Where is your organization going? What does success for your organization in the future look like?

The three types of vision statements are quantitative, competitive, and superlative. Use our checklist to help you write a vision statement:

● Focus on five or more years into the future
● Write in the future tense
● Make sure it’s directional
● Be audacious (think big!)
● Be descriptive

We love beginning our statements with the phrase, “we envision.” It’s a solid start to writing in the future tense and shifts your focus to thinking ahead. Next, outline your impact. What’s different, and how will you be impacting your community and beyond? Finally, what are your objectives and goals?

Leaders focus on vision. You can’t lead if you don’t have a vision. Visit our website for more information on how to write a vision statement and so much more! We help businesses grow and succeed.

[kristenrose]

"You can't lead if you don't have a vision."
Thank you!

[tamikahainsworth]

This video was very informative and well thought out, it provided a great starting point for understanding vision statements. I will compare the two styles of vision statements mentioned in the video, quantitative and superlative.
Quantitative vision statements show a vision of where the company wants to get to in the future through a quantitative measure. Referencing a goal for achieving an amount of sales in retail, production of an item in manufacturing, or an increase in a revenue dollar amount all are quantitative measures that can be used in a vision statement. The quantities can also be ambiguous such as trying to capture all of the customers in a business segment. The vision should be lofty, but should be focused enough to seem attainable by all at the company.
Superlative vision statements show a vision of where the company wants to get to in the future through statements of grandeur. Statements that include mention of being the number 1 in a business segment or the premier provider of a service are examples of a superlative vision statement. These vision statements seem more preferred for service industries, where there may not be a quantitative measure to form a quantitative vision statement.

[WhiteKeyBlackString]

Honestly, the way you present shows how passionate you are in this field and in this day and age, it's such a rare find. Thank you very much for creating a concise, meaningful, and helpful series!

[caitlinfoley]

This video was very instructive and informative on how to write a vision statement and the different types of statements you can have. There are three types of vision statements that are described in the video. The first one is quantitative, which is focused on numbers. Things like “every kid, ” or a monetary goal would be an example. These are very useful to use and are pretty common. The second one is competitive. These types of vision statements focus on beating out your competitors. They are not very common, so the video suggests not using them. The last type is superlative, which focuses on being the best at something. They are common to use and a great way to focus a vision statement. To me, if it makes sense to use, a qualitative vision statement is really great. It focuses on your vision as an organization, which is important. You don’t necessarily want to be focused on beating your competitors or being the best at something. You want to focus on your goals. However, not every situation requires a quantitative vision statement, so it was helpful to learn about all the different types of vision statements you can use.

[johnyoest]

This video is required viewing by my graduate students in MSM 619 Strategic Planning & Implementation at The Catholic University of America

[mikedoody]

This video clearly defines what a vision statement is and all that goes into it. While creating a vision statement, there are five points that should be addressed. It should be 5 or more years, in the future tense, directional, audacious, and descriptive. In the middle of the statement it should show the impact that the vision is trying to create. Often times this gets to broad when it should be concise and specific. Also, there are three different types of vision statements. The first one is quantitative, which puts an emphasis on numbers. The second is competitive, where the focus is beating out the competition. The last type of vision statement is superlative which puts a focus on being the best at a given subject. Vision statements are an important piece to any strategic plans as strategic plans are about creating a different future. That different future is then translated in the vision statement. This video was very insightful on how to write a vison statement and what exactly needs to be in it.

[funkyfoto]

I have no idea how you landed on my feed, but I am so glad you did. I literally pulled out my notebook and took notes Within minutes I started jotting down a few “futures” using this as a template.
Thanx!

[madhushreemukherjee]

Very important for every educator. Thank for this effective lecture on How to Write a Vision Statement.

[ImWORTHITINC]

GREAT EPISODE! I am writing my vision statement as we speak. I wanted to know I was going in the right direction, and the difference between a mission statement. do you have an episode how to write a mission statement? do you have anybody that will read ours and give us guidance on our vision/mission statement?

[standtallsteve]

Thanks for this informative video .. Writing a vision statement can help individuals and organizations by providing a clear and concise direction for the future. A well-written vision statement can be a motivating force, helping to inspire individuals and organizations to achieve their goals. Additionally, a vision statement can help to focus an organization's efforts and resources, ensuring that they are working towards a common goal. Ultimately, a vision statement can help to create a successful and sustainable future for individuals and organizations.

[dr.vrushaliwagh]

Informative and excellent discussion on "How to Write a Vision Statement".

[levinganga]

Awesome. A born teacher/educator. Love how you break down topics.

[dr.anandikurmi]

Informative and excellent discussion on "How to Write a Vision Statement". Thank you

[emergentwave]

I saw a post about this from Ali Abdaal - and since I've already been getting obsessed about Vision (and "Commander's Intent) and Mission in developing objectives and goals... this is perfect!I've already watched a few, and I'm looking forward to re-watching, implementing, and checking out the rest!

[gingertomm__]

obsessed with your videos; as a creative type I need bullet points and structure to keep me grounded so im very here for this!

[victoriaj.rumsey]

The creator, Erica Olsen did a good job in describing the various styles of a vision statement. It is important that we can define what vision and mission look like, as Erica explains they are not the same. I appreciated the checklist that she had created to ensure that the viewer knows what points need to be made in their overall vision statement. This also helps the leader stick to the goals and not veer off. The two styles that she mentions, are the quantitative vision style which provides impact in numbers, while the superlative style vision statements help provide the best in the market.



I really appreciated the explanation of the vision statement as “our North Star.” Leaders should use a clear and concise vision statement to help focus on the future when creating goals for the future. This will not only help them provide a win-win, but provide an additional effective communication piece about their organization and what they intend to achieve. This will also be helpful for their team to ensure that they know what is expected of them in their roles, whether the vision statement is for a campaign, a new program, or an overall new organization. This is a greatl video, thank you for sharing.

[nthabisengmonoge]

I loved both this and the mission statement video. I was able to write both statements within a very short space of time after hours of mulling over where to start 🤦🏽. Thank-you

[jkkj]

A very to the point session on how to Write a Vision Statement !

[WeallMaharashtra]

Knowledgeable session on How to Write a Vision Statement.

[JoshGammon]

This is super helpful! Glad to say this video was included in my strategic management class.