Creating a Purpose-Filled Team
What is Purpose?
Purpose is the fundamental element that drives both organizational success and individual fulfillment. For companies, purpose is the overarching reason for their existence beyond just making a profit. It’s the vision for a better future and the mission to make that vision a reality. For individuals, purpose is the intrinsic motivation that fuels their daily actions and long-term goals.
Great organizations are able to personify their purpose in key actions and decisions.
The best organizations are able to relate their purpose and vision of the future with the individual “purposes'“ of their employees — empowering engaged and motivated employees.
Examples of Strong 'Purpose'…
…For Organizations…
Tesla: "To accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy." Tesla's mission is clear and impactful, driving innovation in the automotive and energy sectors with a focus on sustainability.
Google: "To organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful." Google’s purpose centers around making information accessible to everyone, which guides their various products and services.
IKEA: "To create a better everyday life for the many people." IKEA’s mission emphasizes improving daily life through affordable, well-designed home furnishings, reflecting their commitment to both design and accessibility.
…For Individuals…
John, Financial Advisor: "To help families achieve financial security and independence." John's purpose goes beyond just managing finances; it's about empowering families to build a stable future.
Sarah, Consultant: "To provide innovative solutions that drive business success and growth." Sarah’s purpose is to use her expertise to solve complex problems and help businesses thrive.
Alex, Software Developer: "To create technology that simplifies life and drives positive change." Alex’s purpose is to develop software that not only meets user needs but also contributes to societal advancement.
Emily, Church Employee: "To help people get to Heaven." Emily’s purpose is driven by her faith.
It's important to note that an individual's purpose shouldn't exclusively be work-oriented. Personal purposes can include goals such as improving health, contributing to the community, or fostering meaningful relationships.
Why Purpose Matters in Organizations
Companies with a strong sense of purpose:
Have a clear vision for the future.
Align their products and services with their mission.
Inspire and engage employees at all levels.
A purpose-driven organization not only navigates the complexities of the market with a clear direction but also fosters a sense of belonging and motivation among its employees. When employees resonate with their company's purpose, they find greater meaning in their work, leading to higher engagement and productivity.
How to Create a Purpose-Filled Team
1. Define and Communicate Organizational Purpose
Ensure that the company’s purpose is clearly defined and communicated. This involves:
Articulating the company’s vision and mission.
Directly tying the organization’s strategy to its purpose — not just focusing on the bottomline.
Making sure every employee understands and embraces this purpose.
2. Align Individual and Organizational Purposes
Encourage employees to find alignment between their personal purpose and the company’s purpose. This can be achieved by:
Helping employees identify their strengths and how they can contribute to the company’s goals.
Creating opportunities for employees to pursue personal growth and development that aligns with the organization’s mission.
3. Foster a Culture of Purpose
Develop a workplace culture that supports and nurtures purpose-driven work:
Recognize and celebrate achievements that contribute to the company’s purpose.
Create a supportive environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
4. Support Personal and Organizational Purpose Alignment
Managers play a crucial role in supporting their employees to tie their personal purpose with the organization's purpose. This can be done by:
Supporting employees in identifying their individual purpose and motivations.
Having regular one-on-one meetings to discuss personal goals and aspirations.
Creating individual development plans that align personal and organizational objectives.
Encouraging employees to take on projects that resonate with their personal purpose and the company's mission.
Achieving a Purpose-Filled Workplace
Creating a purpose-filled team requires intentional efforts to connect the dots between organizational and individual purposes. By fostering an environment where employees see the impact of their work and feel a sense of fulfillment, organizations can achieve remarkable levels of engagement and performance.
How does your team align with your organization’s purpose?
