If vision statements are about what we want to be, mission statements are about the paths we take to get there. The mission statement that matched the vision of "We enable the business we need to be" is "We offer added value through our skill in technology in every interaction we have." Fourteen words that pack a memorable punch.

"We offer" deals with credibility -- the business must want to partner with IT before IT's ideas gain ground. "Added value" is a call to arms: How could we do anything better, faster and possibly cheaper? "Through our skill in technology" is a reminder of the unique competence that must be maintained and grown to deliver that value. "In every interaction we have" says this is the rule, not the exception, within the IT department as well as with business clients.

Retiring tired old vision and mission statements is a good thing. Living up to a good new one is the path to greatness.

-- Bruce A. Stewart is a former CEO and onetime senior vice president and director of executive services at Meta Group Inc. He is now an executive adviser in Vancouver, British Columbia. He can be contacted at bruce@bastewart.com.