Vision statement case studies

We have collated 3 vision statement examples together with our thoughts, to give you a flavour of their aspirational stance. We look at the Nike, Oxfam and Microsoft vision statements. Use these examples to inspire you to write great vision statements for your business.

Nike vision statement

We love this Nike vision statement. Why? Because it’s so big, it includes every human being on the planet. It’s also clever because it’s short and snappy and gets across very quickly that their products are inspiring and forward thinking for everyone.

“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.” “*If you have a body, you are an athlete”

Source: https://www.nike.com/help/a/nikeinc-mission

Oxfam

Oxfam wins the prize for the fewest words in a vision statement. It’s so punch and easy to remember and embraces an ambitious vision of world equality  where no-one is in poverty. You can’t get much bigger than that.

“A just world without poverty”

Microsoft

This is a founding mission statement from Microsoft and at that time was an incredibly big and brave vision to have. It doesn’t seem quite so ambitious now!

“A computer on every desk and in every home.”

Tasks

We have outlined a few simple tasks to get you on your way to having a clear stated vision. These tasks can be done alone or better still together with friends and colleagues.

1. Send yourself to the future

Grab a coffee, jump up and down! Then close your eyes for 2 minutes and think about 5 to 10 years in the future. Think big, think great things. This is no time to be humble. Feel the butterflies in your belly. Questions to help you:

• Why does your company exist?
• How do you do things differently?
• Is your company a world leader in your sector?
• How much profit are you making?
• What are you doing in the company?
• What is your personal lifestyle like?
• Where would you specifically be? E.g on a beach, in a city, at home or far, far away!

2. Write down your thoughts quickly using pen & paper

Write your thoughts down quickly from the heart Grab your favourite notebook and quickly transcribe all your thoughts using pen and paper, We advise to step away from the computer for this exercise. Write quickly and save your notes for the task in this module.

3. Write your vision statement

Take your notes from <how to write a vision statement> and write up and refine your vision statement in less than 10 words. Remember to think big. What is your company’s biggest dream and what will you do to make a difference?

Sign up to our 14 day Meadow trial to get your free workshop vision, mission and purpose templates. (Available soon)

Module tasks & downloads

Use the brand persona sheet to identify your brand personality and choose your two main brand colours.

Vision workshop task 1"

Vision statement examples

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Vision workshop task 2"

Preparing your vision statement

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Vision workshop task 3"

Drafting your vision statement

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Vision workshop task 4"

Finalising your vision statement

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Key learnings

Key learnings of how to write a powerful vision statement

• A vision statement is inspirational
• A vision statement is aspirational
• Don’t hold back (see examples of Nike, Oxfam and Microsoft)

Vision Quiz

Guess the famous brand from these vision statements: