How to Inspire Your Team with Purpose
Steps to Integrate Purpose into Your Organization
I have nothing against finance people (well, maybe a little), but it’s because the changes they propose are usually focused on: “cutting costs,” “increasing profits,” or “improving processes.” While these goals are necessary, they are rarely exciting. Who feels inspired to work harder just to improve a figure on an Excel spreadsheet?
If you want to achieve a transformation or drive change in your teams, you need to explain the why, and the purpose behind it. Without this, it will be hard for others to commit. What is a purpose? A purpose is not just a statement of intent; it’s a compass that gives meaning and direction to your teams (and not a boring Excel sheet).
For example, at oleyoga.com, our purpose is not just to sell more yoga products. We are a sustainable brand that manufactures high-quality, durable products designed to protect our wonderful planet. There you have it: “Protecting the planet” is our purpose.
Purpose-Driven leadership works because…
It Creates an Emotional Connection: It inspires the team to work for a mission greater than themselves.
It Gives Meaning to Work: It offers a reason to push forward during difficult times.
It Provides Long-Term Motivation: A purpose lasts and goes beyond temporary incentives.
It Fosters Collaboration: A shared purpose aligns teams and makes collaboration easier, reducing unnecessary tension.
How can you Integrate purpose to transform your organization?
First, you need to carefully define an exciting and clear purpose. Once you have that, Communicate it Regularly (in strategic meetings and decision-making processes). Involve the Team (listen to their interpretations and contributions regarding the purpose). Finally, Personalize the Message so that each team understands their contribution to the broader purpose.
You’ll soon see how both your commitment and that of your teams will increase.