How to unify employees’ purpose to reach greater success in business?
Dr. Arezou Harraf
Vice Chair of American Chamber of Kuwait | CEO of Learn & Evolve LLC | Head of School of Business & Associate Professor of Human Development | Author of "Uncensored Leader"
How to unify employees’ purpose to reach greater success in business
Undoubtedly, the purpose of an employee differs from the purpose of an executive or an employer. That’s due to the different perspectives and points of view of these two parties. Moreover, this year’s Purpose Power Index study conducted by Chip Walker and StrawberryFrog revealed concerning and alarming facts and numbers no one had thought of.
In this study, most executives’ answers were similar, including a broader view and a defined, ultimate purpose for their business. As a matter of fact, as the study revealed, 72% of senior managers highlighted the higher purpose of their companies and stressed their operation. However, the study also examined the answers of the average employees of the same companies and the results were quite troubling. Therefore, when they were asked if they believed that their companies served a purpose beyond profit; only 45% of them agreed with that statement.
This phenomenon is called and known as “The Purpose Gap” and it represents an issue for all companies. What makes a company successful and sustainable nowadays is its purpose beyond profit and its clear definition and application in the workplace. Moreover, what is essential to the realization of this purpose is the implication and devotion of the workforce; the employees. Thus, without the implication of the workforce, a company is unfortunately bound to fail.
Solutions?
????Companies suffering from the purpose gap should, first of all, acknowledge the problem and treat it as a real threat to their future. Second of all, a great strategy to bring perspectives closer would be to empower employees and respect their convictions and insights on business and attribute to them broader and more serious tasks. It is also important to mention that envisioning the future altogether as a team and letting go of past events and issues help companies prosper and grow healthily.
Although these actions are easier said than done, commitment and consistency are the keys to implementing these strategies efficiently. As a matter of fact, companies dealing with the purpose gap should work on the integrity and inclusivity of their workers. In addition, unity against all odds and challenges emerging from common enemies; competitors, should be a fundamental ideal as it is proven that teams stand by each other more efficiently and effectively in the face of confronting events and challenges. Companies should also make their higher purpose known to every employee and work on implementing it in their mindset. It is also crucial to give the lead to employees as it promotes innovation and trust, and therefore, highlights the company’s higher and greater purpose.
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? To conclude, the purpose gap does exist and is present in all companies since objectives vary, and thus, the work performance shifts too. However, it is important to make principles clear from the beginning, underline the company’s higher purpose, and constantly remind the workforce of it. These principles ought to become the whole company’s purpose as a strong team that works towards a common, strong vision. A strong, prospering company knows how to strategically include its employees in the completion of its greater purpose, and make the workforce the pillar of the purpose’s success.??
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