When it comes to driving transformational change in your organization, understanding and leveraging your “inspirational purpose” is crucial. This concept moves beyond mere financial goals and impacts the organization and the world at large. As I often say, “Your purpose is not driven by the money you make. It’s about the impact you can have when you do the work that you do.”
Inspirational purpose isn’t about superficial marketing slogans; it’s something more profound. This isn’t to dismiss the value of catchy taglines that motivate your team. However, the real purpose, the one that keeps your team going even on tough days, isn’t encapsulated in a catchy phrase. Rather, it’s the deeper understanding of your organization’s mission and the emotional connection that your employees have with it.
Many business leaders often confuse ‘purpose’ with ‘strategic vision.’ But these are not synonymous. Your inspiring purpose is actually a vital part of your strategic vision. The purpose really is the soul of your strategic vision and makes it last longer. While strategic vision presents a broader view of your company’s direction, your purpose forms the core of it. This element is what deeply resonates with your employees, making them feel connected to the bigger picture.
To identify your organization’s purpose, it’s crucial to engage your leadership team in exploratory conversations. Remember, your business was founded on a purpose, and it has a reason for existing. It’s about discovering and putting words to that purpose which makes it explicit and actionable.
When your organization successfully uncovers its purpose, you’ll start hearing employees talk about their pride in it. They’ll proudly say, I’m proud to work here because… This pride could stem from the impact your business makes in various ways, such as contributing to community safety, launching an influential brand, or developing infrastructure.
For organizations to truly thrive, the leadership must assist their employees in tying their personal vision to the business’s purpose. When employees can live out their personal purpose through the purpose of their organization, it creates a dynamic synergy that benefits all. This sense of alignment is what success looks like when you’ve embodied your inspirational purpose.
The power of an inspirational purpose extends to the overall culture of your organization. It motivates people from a deeper place, not merely by financial incentives. A strong purpose encourages employees to go the extra mile, collaborate effectively across departments, and strive for a collective goal.
Remember, a compelling purpose and robust communication in an organization are interrelated. Without one, you can’t have the other. And together, they amplify each other, promoting a thriving, harmonious, and impact-driven business culture. So, I encourage all leaders to take the time to discover, articulate, and foster their company’s inspirational purpose. By doing so, you will empower your organization to make meaningful and lasting contributions to the world.
To take your first step, check out our Strategic Foundation offering, which includes a review of your Business Impact Assessment results. This one day discovery and design session will help you identify ways to help you quiet the chaos in your organization.
