On purpose.

In recent years, there has been a surge in discussions around purpose, both personal and organisational—a topic that's likely crossed your radar on LinkedIn, as it has mine. It's a logical trend I suppose; having a guiding 'north star' proves invaluable in navigating the complexities we face both professionally and personally. This construct not only helps us focus on what truly matters but is equally instrumental in discerning priorities...but is this north-star-chasing journey worth the time and effort?

Personally, I've delved quite a bit into purpose work —pondering my own individual purpose and assisting organizations in identifying, clarifying, and articulating theirs. Yet, in this space, there are myriad terms like mission, vision, ambition, values, each with meanings that end up sounding like HR-ey jargon. These are different, nuance matters, but I contend that purpose is the critical one, both at a deeply personal level and at an overarching organisational one. Let's explore...

For me, defining personal purpose aligns with writer Frederick Buechner's eloquent phrase: "Purpose is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s needs." I love the phrasing of "deep gladness" as it conjures up happiness and joy, and particularly the impact is has on meeting the needs of others as well. This seems to be the sweet-spot we are all searching for. Why focus on a personal purpose quest? Well, one good reason might be that it could actually help you live longer! Eric Kim, PhD, a research scientist from Harvard School of Public Health had this to say: "There have been a number of studies suggesting that a higher sense of purpose in life is associated with reduced risk of early death." There's been quite a bit written on this, here's one article that may help: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/longevity-having-a-purpose-may-help-you-live-longer-healthier

Anyway, it's certainly something worth exploring or revisiting form time to time. I found it helps clarify what you pursue, and more importantly, what you ignore! In a time and attention starved world, this seems more critical than ever.

On the organizational front, purpose boils down to a few fundamental questions: Why does the organization exist? What unique value does it bring to others, guiding its strategic direction? While not all organizations are genuinely purpose-led, I feel that those that are hold a competitive advantage, specifically if their purpose resonates with all stakeholders. However, the challenge lies in bringing this purpose to life beyond mere slogans on office walls and social media posts. For a purpose to truly make an impact, it must reside in the hearts and minds of employees and leadership alike, avoiding the pitfall of becoming an empty virtue signal....but when it lands, when it's held tightly by an organisations leaders it can be a wonderous and clarifying reason to "get out of bed in the morning." It focuses the organisation on delivering something well beyond quarterly earnings, and given the state of the world, we need organisations to continue to step up in this arena.

It's crucial to recognize that while individual and organizational purposes share similarities, they needn't perfectly align. Many organizations stumble when attempting to align these purposes internally, expecting employees to adopt the organization's purpose as their own. Instead, I believe, the goal should be to inspire engagement in a shared pursuit, acknowledging that individual and organizational purposes may not be synonymous, but don't need to be at odds. Take Patagonia as an example. Often cited as one of the top purpose-driven and led companies. Their purpose states that they are "in business to save our home planet." Perhaps not every one of their several thousand employees is as altruistically motivated, but can hold their individual purpose that aligns just as well. For example, to motivate and inspire others to develop themselves or to play a role in creating an inclusive environment or even to develop and share the technology that enables others to work together more effectively. These individual purpose pursuits don't necessarily embody the organisation's purpose, and that's ok....I would go as far as saying, that's the norm most employees. Let's not forget that work is only half of the work-life we're focused on.

I suppose that in conclusion, the journey of uncovering and embracing purpose, whether on an individual or organizational level, is a nuanced exploration. The connection between finding personal joy and contributing to the greater good forms a powerful driving force, while organizational purpose, when authentically integrated into the fabric of the company, becomes a true north for delivering positive business outcomes including, but not limited to, financial success. As we continue to navigate the landscape of purpose, I feel it's vital to remember that the beauty lies not only in defining it but in living it. It's a commitment to making purpose more than a statement; it's about fostering a culture where purpose is felt, shared, and continuously woven into our lives and work. We can really transcend rhetoric, and live into different personal and organisational purposes that enrich our own experience as well as those around us.

Always love to hear the purpose journeys, individual or organisational, that others may have taken, or how you think about the topic...so please do share.