Building a Shared Sense of Purpose in Your Organization
When an organization has a shared sense of purpose among the employees and the leadership there is a much more unified understanding of why the organization exists in the first place, and what ultimately matters at work. Research indicates that our current workforce of employees regards engaging in a meaningful purpose as being more important than the paycheck. There is a growing number in today’s workforce that wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves. So how do leaders make this happen? Here are three aspects that need to be considered when engaging a workforce and embracing a collaborative corporate sense of purpose.
Review Your Business Vision Statement
It’s great to have a purpose, a raison d’être, that clearly articulates why the company exists, but a vision statement provides only one aspect -- the direction in which the company will move. Leaders can draw employees into a shared sense of purpose by creating a compelling, realistic vision of the company’s future, but then it becomes imperative to provide ways in which the company can achieve it. Knowing where the company is headed is monumental. It gives direction that employees can either embrace or find other work opportunities. If employees agree with the trajectory of the company, then they will be more willing to embrace effective strategies to meet established goals. Lastly, employees will come on board when they know the role they play in the process.
Confirm That the Company Values Are Still Relevant
Alignment between the company culture and the company leadership is essential to solidify that strategies are productively implemented. Company employees that do not embrace corporate values or who do not feel a part of the strategic process can torpedo the success of any business initiative. Leaders and the employees need to check the shared company values on occasion to confirm that there is still alignment. In other words, everyone needs to speak the same language regarding values to assure that they are upholding the same perspective on company purpose.
Get to Know Employees on a More Holistic Level
Smart leaders know how to listen. Good leaders know how to inspire their employees to believe in their leadership. Great leaders inspire their employees to believe in themselves. Understanding what motivates employees in their lives outside of the workplace gives leaders a better perspective on the true complexion of the company culture. A lot of life happens outside of the workplace, yet such events can have a tremendous influence on how people act and react within the confines of the workplace. Spending time getting to know the talents, concerns, and motivations that are not exhibited in daily work projects can tell leaders how to better use such hidden talents and offer encouragement to fellow employees during difficult times.
Regardless, one thing is certain. People want to be acknowledged that they matter. Also, people want to know their contributions are noticed. In any case, people will help when asked. Building a company with a shared sense of purpose allows everyone to be a part of a winning solution.
