What is Purpose?
Purpose in Business: Beyond ‘Business as Usual’
Purpose, done right, elevates the reason your business exists beyond the transactional to begin to power good in the world by doing business.
And that is good for business, good for society, and good for the economy.
So, what is Purpose in business and how is it different from all the other things?
Purpose in business is, simply put, defining the reason your company exists as a societal reason (social or environmental) where that unique Purpose becomes the decision lens on all that your company does, driving business growth as well as (business-related) societal good.
Purpose is not an action; it is what determines your actions.
Purpose does not stop at (yet often incorporates and guides):
Company donations or volunteering
Caring about your community & supporting good causes
Mitigating harms caused by your business
Being ethical or responsible
Being a good corporate citizen
Being ‘green’
Having good environmental, social and governance policies, practices, and metrics
What authentic Purpose looks like in action:
Your company's Purpose aligns with what your business is best at (its competencies and assets), yet...
It goes beyond products, services, satisfied customers and / or excellence in your industry, and...
It is aspirational. Accomplished, it contributes to solving a pressing world issue (social and/or environmental).
Your company’s Purpose is used as a decision lens to pursue or decline opportunities, making decision-making simpler.
Purpose guides business strategy and is owned by and evident in all functional areas of the business, notably at the top.
Your Purpose has a clear value-add for the business and for society / broad stakeholders.
Your company’s Purpose offers an innovation lens on all you do revealing previously un-noticed business opportunities that also benefit society.
Your stated Purpose inspires joinable, doable action, and makes people feel like a part of the solution when they get involved as employee, customer, or partner.
Does your company have a Purpose like that? If it did, how would it benefit your business?
If you don't have this kind of Purpose, or you are not sure, get in touch – I can help!