What is an organization’s Purpose?

It is your contribution to society through the work that you do.

The Purpose of an organization is the fundamental reason why the organization exists. It is the most central component of Core Culture. It is not the answer to the question: “What do you do?” This typically focuses on products, services and customers. To clarify, it should answer the question: “Why is the work you do important?”

Organizations must be clear on their Purpose. And employees of the organization should find it inspirational and motivational. To sum up, it is the cause that defines one’s contribution to society through work.

Businesses exist to make a profit. But they also exist to make a difference. Profit is an outcome of pursuing the purpose. 

Through work, individuals can make a difference. They can be part of a meaningful legacy.

Are you a purpose-driven company?  What is your contribution?

In the words of Andrew Mason, the former CEO of Groupon,

“When our customers started telling us, ‘I love Groupon because it’s getting me out of the house, making me live my life,’ is when we realized the full impact of what we were doing.” He continues, “We’re not in it for making money. We’re in it for the passion we have for big ideas, making an impact and making the world better.”

Work should be purposeful. It should feel meaningful. To clarify, it should be a cause that makes a difference in people’s lives. It should contribute to making the world a better place. When employees feel that their work is meaningful, they exhibit greater job performance, commitment, and engagement–and thus, enhanced well-being.

Make it brief in length

So what does a Purpose look like? Above all, make it brief. Just a few words. So employees can remember it. And, use it to guide their daily actions.

Be sure it’s broad in scope

Don’t limit the focus to products or services. Instead, the Purpose should be broad in scope. Think of it as your organization’s meaningful contribution. Guided by a broadly-stated Purpose, it allows the organization to adapt over time to a changing world. While its central focus remains constant. Products and services often change. But the organization must endure. To sum up, organizations are living entities. They are vehicles for improving life. They improve the world we live in.

Make it powerful and heartfelt

The few words in the statement must be carefully chosen. When possible, select a powerful verb that serves as an engine for the statement.

And seek words that inspire and generate emotion.

Examples of Purpose statements

Listed below are some examples of Purpose statements. Be sure to create a statement that is meaningful for employees. It must be more than just a small set of words. The statement must capture emotion. It must produce feelings of contribution and inspire energy. It must be directed at making the world a better place.

Uncover your Purpose

Go to this link for information on how to conduct a culture assessment to uncover your Purpose.

Key points

• Purpose is the most central component of your organization’s Core Culture.
• It is the enduring “why” of work. It is the organization’s reason for being. It is the reason the organization exists.
• Think of it as the foundation for all aspects of the culture.
• The statement captures the cause that defines one’s contribution.
• Be sure its power unites efforts and inspires action.
• For employees, it is a source of meaningfulness through work.
• State your Purpose in a way that makes it easy to remember and recite.

Add meaningfulness to one’s life

The goal is for work to contribute to meaning in one’s life. Several paths can lead to meaningful work:

• A meaningful career that contributes to one’s life purpose.
• Personal growth and development which enhances one’s feelings of competence.
• Belief that one’s work serves a greater purpose which enhances one’s sense of significance and contribution.

In addition, building relationships with others at work nurtures a sense of belonging that can feel purposeful.

For more information on meaningfulness and work, go to these posts:

1. Read about Purpose-driven companies.
2. Read about  Purpose during the Coronovirus pandemic.
3. Discover why meaningfulness is important today.