I recently
had a discussion with a business owner who challenged the necessity of
identifying organizational purpose. From their perspective it was simple; to
make money to survive. Business was a necessity to survive life, a means to the
end and nothing more.
Making money
is a result of doing good business. Purpose is why we are doing business. Organizational purpose is more than a
goal that is completed and forgotten. It permeates and defines why we do, how
we do, and what we do. When our focus – our purpose – is clear, the
organization is aligned, engaged, and can thrive.
Science is
increasingly validating what people have known about our individual selves:
that purpose is a foundational core. Purpose dramatically affects our longevity
and well-being, and it creates drive and passion. We change, our priorities and
values shift; confidence grows, dissolves into doubt, returns; relationships
evolve, form and reform; we have life milestones and events – all forming the
complexity of life. Our individual
purpose is not discovered once and then we are done with it. It is reexamined
and discovered at various points throughout life.
Organizational
purpose is no different. The business changes, shifts, grows, and adapts; forming
the complexity of business. Organizational purpose is the ability to have
perspective, awareness, and be conscious of the opportunities and challenges
and should be reexamined and evaluated at various points as well.
