Vision Statements - SDP entry 2

A vision statement is a comprehensive summary of an organization’s or entity’s objective(s). Whereas a mission statement outlines current operational status, a vision statement offers a unifying picture of the future. The rhetoric should provide inspiration, a framework for decision making and inform/entice potential clients.

Here are two vision statements which illustrate some of the finer points.

The first belongs to Marvel Entertainment. This particular statement incorporates both the mission and vision statement criteria. We initially get a “snapshot” of the organization's status which leads us directly to the strategy for future development.

“With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world (emphasis mine).”

This statement is the preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America. Here we see a list of criteria which the governing document is to satisfy. With these guidelines in place legislative, executive and judicial entities have a framework upon which to base decisions for forming and interpreting the articles contained within.

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”