A good strategy for gaining insights into a company or organization should be a careful read of its mission statement. The problem is that the statements are often downright unreadable, and the meanings are ambiguous. Some organizations seem to view it as an opportunity to pull out their handy DEI Terms for Idiots. For other entities, though, it's as if the mission statement has become a kind of confessional where, by simply alluding to particular ideas or images, their actual perspective or ulterior motives become clear. The writing quality can definitely convey quite a bit about the organization tht brought it to the page. A good example of a somewhat lousy mission statement is found at Oregon Housing and Community Services. In case you're unfamiliar with the agency, this organization has seen controversies erupt over its inept handling of grants and awards for those it serves. Whether it's its backlogs or its sobering audits, it has not been a stellar example of competent customer service for Oregonians.
That's part of the reason why a phrase in its mission statement caught my eye and gave me pause a few years ago. Let's examine it in its entirety, with the sections of concern highlighted.
Our Vision
All Oregonians have the opportunity to pursue prosperity and live free from poverty.
Our Mission
We provide stable and affordable housing and engage leaders to develop an integrated statewide policy that addresses poverty and provides opportunities for Oregonians.
What we do
Oregon Housing and Community Services is Oregon's housing finance agency, providing financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of lower and moderate income.
OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization – from preventing and ending homelessness, assisting with utilities to keep someone stable, to financing multifamily affordable housing, to encouraging homeownership. It delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers, and has limited direct contact with low-income beneficiaries. OHCS' sources of funds are varied and include federal and state resources that have complex regulatory compliance requirements, and thus stewardship, compliance monitoring, and asset management are all critical functions played by OHCS.
The first highlight is not such a big deal, but it feels a tad sloppy. For instance, why is it necessary to refer to income levels at all here? Why not simply say something along the lines of qualifying Oregonians? The third highlighting of to just reinforces the idea that this was not written with a great deal of care.
The third highlight is more the concern. It has limited direct contact with low-income beneficiaries? You don't say. Well, okay, first, why is this admission so critically important to refer to within the context of their statement? Maybe in the applications or the associated staff procedures, but this seems an example of someone misunderstanding the broad purpose of the mission statement. Second, the use of contact with the low-income beneficiaries suggests something negative. Do they wish to avoid contact? Is it because this somewhat derisive or condescending phrase actually betrays their mindset? One wonders.
I had the opportunity a few years ago to raise this point of language with a few of the communications staff. One younger employee clearly got it, understanding the problematic nature of this phrase, but the others seemed completely oblivious. It's unfortunate that poor writing can reflect so poorly on the agency staff and its authentic mission and goals.
So, what are your favorite examples of terrible mission statements?
