How to Discover Your Organization’s Purpose

Going once… Going twice… Sold!  It almost seemed like an auctioneer had just sold off a big part of my life and work.

 

Selling my company in 2011 marked the end of my role as CEO of the Albert Companies, but it was also the beginning of my second half of life! I’ve since created a new business, Values-Driven Culture, whose purpose is to “Make a Difference”.

For me, this is a wonderful opportunity to go from success to significance by adding value to people not only once… but twice.

First, I get the opportunity to make a difference – in people, for people, and with people – by writing blog posts, speaking, conducting workshops, offering books and video training, coaching executives and consulting with small and medium-sized business owners and leaders.

Secondly, my wife and I have also been blessed to create The Bobby and Susan Albert Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, so that any future profits from this new business will go into the foundation where we can financially support organizations and causes of like values.

Are you ready?  Are you ready to discover your purpose (why you exist) for your organization?  Are you ready to have a purpose that strengthens your people’s sense of unity and commitment as a team?  Are you ready to create in your people’s hearts and minds a frame of reference, a set of criteria or guidelines, by which they will govern themselves?

When your people buy into the changeless purpose (why we exist), they will overcome the change going on all around them at warp speed that is occurring in the workplace and marketplace as well as in their personal lives.

“It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?” 

– Henry David Thoreau

Every leader can discover their organization’s purpose by following six simple steps.

It is important to remember that this process is as important as the end product – the purpose statement.

Do you want help discovering Why your organization exists?  Please download FREE my expanded version of a Discovery Guide for Your Organization’s Purpose by <clicking here>.  

1. Understand the Criteria 

It’s important to understand what a purpose statement is, and what it is NOT.

You’ll find detailed explanation of this in my Discovery Guide

2. Determine Your Method 

What if you are a “one man or woman show” and desire to discover the purpose for your startup company? What about someone who leads a large team? In my Discovery Guide, you’ll find that each scenario requires a different approach.

I also share an effective way how your people buy into the organization’s purpose.

3. Ask Focusing Questions 

Determining your organizational purpose requires some deep thinking.  And there is nothing that stimulates thinking more than good questions! In my free downloadable document, I help you go through a series of challenging questions that lead up to asking, “Why is this important?” and asking it five times.

These questions are designed to help you dig deeper into the meaning of why you exist.

As you go through these questions, I encourage you to write as many descriptive words as you like to answer those questions.

4. Aim for a Bull’s-Eye Single Word

Simplicity produces clarity. In my free Discovery Guide, you’ll learn how to tap the power of simplicity by narrowing your focus to a single word that represents the center of your purpose.

Once identified, this one single word will bring meaning to everything you do – organization’s meetings; employee, customer, and supplier relationships.

5. Prepare One Simple Phrase 

Now it is time to write three words in a simple, non-technical phrase.  The Discovery Guide will walk you through this process more clearly.

6. Validate Your Work 

How do you know if you have truly discovered the purpose of your organization? You’ll find seven questions in my downloadable guide that will help you.  They were designed by Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, and can help you decide if you have truly identified your core purpose.

After you complete these six simple steps, it is time for you to have a celebration announcement and begin to live out your purpose.

The best way to walk through these six steps is to use my FREE Discovery Guide for Your Organization’s Purpose. You can download it by <clicking here>.  

Are you ready to discover your organization’s purpose?  Have you arranged for your people as a team to help you discover your purpose?  Please share your thoughts <here> and share this blog post with a friend and/or co-worker.