The following are some very practical guidelines for mission statements: 1. Present Tense – This helps the reader to perceive that the mission statement is already being fulfilled rather than intimating that it is an event which MAY occur in the future. 2. Active Voice – In an active voice the subject is DOING the action. For example rather than; “Our company mission is to deliver…” say; “Our company delivers…” 3. Straightforward Language – Eliminate superlatives, modifies and unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. These often water-down the message. 4. Motivating and Clarifying – The mission should be written in a way that motivates team members, clients and referrers to participate. It should also clarify the vision of the company. 5. Verbal Economy – The mission should communicate the reason for existence of the entity in as few words as possible. This promotes readership and comprehension.