The Power of Organizational Purpose

Presented by David Srere, CEO, Siegel+Gale

Pick 10 employees in any organizational and ask them what the mission and vision statement is in the organization. You will get 10 different answers for each, worse yet, ask them the definition of what a mission and vision statement is and again, you will get 10 different answers. Insightful, however, proof that this approach isn’t working. You need to make a mantra, not a mission statement....how do you galvanize the purpose of your organization?

Why care about purpose?
1. It motivate employees - align interests, pride
2. It gives leaders a higher-order platform - together we can make a real difference in the world, passion drives performance drives profit in that order
3. It provides long-term direction - provides guidance and inspiration that never change
4. It drives business performance - not at the expense of shareholder value, it can be an accelerant

Where do organizations find their purpose?
They need to look at 3 areas: the strengths of the organization, where the organization motivates their employees and where as a company they are making money. It doesn’t have to be distinctively different/unique in the category you compete in. The importance is that it truly resonates for your company.

It must be:
simple
crystal clear
brutally single-minded
credible
inspirational
walk the talk (brand = experience)

David sites great company examples that illustrate a company’s evolution, providing insight and motivation for companies of any size to relook at the business/organizational purpose and see if further inspiration is required to ensure that the company is the best that they can be both internally and externally.

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. - Ralph Waldo Emerson