The Three Essential P’s – Part 2 – Purpose

Prov 16:4
The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

In every healthy, growing organization, the purpose must be clear. Most people want to be a part of something that is larger than their self. A well understood and well communicated purpose will capture the heart and mind of the right people for an organization. In addition, the purpose needs to align with customer’s needs if the organization is to remain viable.

If an organization is to grow (whether it is a church or a business) it must go through change. Growth is inherently change. Change in an organization is simply moving from one place to another. In order to move an organization from one place to another, the reason for the move and the destination need to be clear. The reason for the move is the organizations purpose today. This has also been called mission. Regardless of what it’s called, leadership must answer the question “why do we do what we do?” If this question is not answered, an organization will never gain the commitment of its employees; at best it will gain compliance.

The destination is where the organization wants to be at some point in the future. This is the second critical element for purpose. People want to know they are succeeding. If an organization expects passion and commitment from its employees, it must paint a clear picture of where they are going and make clear how progress will be realized. This is very often called vision.

To identify the purpose and level of commitment to that purpose in your organization, ask these questions:

• Do you know what your purpose is today (Mission)?
• Do you know where you are going; what you want to be in X years (Vision)?
• Does your mission meet your customer’s needs today?
• Will your vision delight your customer’s tomorrow?
• Does everyone know the mission and vision?
• Is everyone aligned with the mission and vision?
• Can your team keep score to identify if they are meeting the goal?

Purpose is set by leadership and must be shared throughout the organization. Mission and vision are critical elements of success; there are no great organizations that lack these elements.

Prov 20:5
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.