Missions and Values and Visions, Oh My!

I recently read mission statements for some companies, and I saw one glaring omission: Profits.

I find it very interesting that the primary goal for any company is to make money, yet it seems to be unspoken. Sure, it’s going to have other, complimentary goals, including how it will make money, but profits are at the heart.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have some transparency? Stating that profits are the heart of the mission would at least explain why layoffs happen or why the break room coffee was switched from craft-roasted to freeze-dried.

Have you seen companies’ mission statements, visions, or values that talk about profitability or financials? Please send them to me – I’d love to do a follow-up and show some examples (if they exist).