Why Are You Here? Discovering Purpose and Connecting to What Truly Matters
Understanding your “why” and defining who you aspire to be is not something you can do passively. It’s an ongoing journey that requires infusing your core values into every aspect of your life. Tony Schwartz, the author, encapsulates this sentiment beautifully: living intentionally in every moment is not merely a mindset but a practice that embodies true leadership.
Many might dismiss the concepts of purpose and values as abstract notions, popular among motivational speakers. However, substantial evidence reveals that these concepts are fundamental drivers of high-performing organizations. In their groundbreaking book, “Built to Last,” James Collins and Jerry Porras demonstrate that companies driven by purpose and values substantially outperform their peers, achieving market success ratios as high as 15:1 compared to more traditional competitors.
Further research, such as the work of Harvard professors John Kotter and James Heskett in “Corporate Culture and Performance,” underscores the profound impact of shared value systems within corporate culture. Findings indicate that companies with a strong, values-centered culture experience exponentially higher financial growth—400% higher revenues and 1,200% higher stock prices—compared to their counterparts.
Similarly, in “Firms of Endearment,” marketing professor Rajendra Sisodia and his colleagues illustrate how businesses prioritizing the needs of employees and customers over mere shareholder interests can outperform conventional competitors in stock-market performance by a staggering 8:1.
Leaders who articulate a powerful purpose and remain driven to impact their organizations significantly motivate people to achieve remarkable feats. Roy M. Spence Jr., in “It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For,” emphasizes, “Life is short, so live it out doing something that you care about. Try to make a difference the best way you can. There’s an enormous satisfaction in seeing cultural transformation when an organization is turned on to purpose.”
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These insights offer real-world examples of how embedding purpose into the fabric of an organization can lead to exceptional outcomes. In my work with organizations, I’ve observed that clarity about what truly matters is often elusive. While solid strategies and their execution are essential for business achievement, they fall short of inspiring continued commitment through tough times. Purpose must resonate with the hearts of individuals, motivating them to deliver their best even when challenges arise.
Colleen Barrett, president emerita of Southwest Airlines, advises, “Don’t ever take a job to join a crusade! Find a cause that you can believe in and give yourself to it completely.” This sentiment underscores the critical role leaders play in igniting a passion for shared goals within their teams and guiding employees to find personal fulfillment in their work.
Corporates Coaching plays a pivotal role in this journey, aiding leaders and employees in discovering and articulating their core purpose. If you’re yet to uncover your guiding light, engaging in corporate coaching can be a transformative step in aligning your personal and organizational objectives.
Creator of the KASHBOX: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Habits
Helping You Realize Your Potential
I help people discover their potential, expand and develop the skills and attitudes necessary to achieve a higher degree of personal and professional success and create a plan that enables them to balance the profit motives of their business with the personal motives of their lives.
