Purpose has become a frequently used concept within companies. Like every “trendy buzzword”, it has suffered from its extensive use (and sometimes misuse). Mostly delegated to marketing agencies, many managers or employees have become tired and even developed cynicism around these “perfectly shaped” purpose statements.
Indeed, credibility does not come with a purpose, but rather, from a shared purpose. A shared purpose that is the result of engaging in a mutual dialogue – one where you dare to invite all your team members or stakeholders to take part in finding and formulating the purpose of your network, team and collaboration. It unfolds the value of a truly shared purpose and it’s through this type of dialogue that invites multiple perspectives that shared meaning, commitment and responsibility can be built.
Such a shared purpose has the power to coordinate the engagement of organizational actors across different spaces, functions, payrolls, nations and cultures – sometimes even without knowing each other. Because a shared purpose has been defined together, it is the only thing that has the power to bridge goals and differing interests among team members or stakeholders (like employees, customers and shareholders). It offers increased shared commitment, collaboration, innovation, and ultimately, better business performance.
Why is engaging in a shared purpose dialogue so beneficial to teams? Firstly, it helps them communicate internally and externally about what they are here for. Secondly, it unlocks a shared responsibility and commitment that will result in improved engagement and overall collaborative effectiveness among all stakeholders. Finally, by fostering a sense of shared purpose, teams and organizations can provide meaning and invite contributions –a major factor in attracting and retaining top talent.
If you find yourself in a jungle of different interests, in a fragmented team that is difficult to bring together, or if you are building a new project, taking on a new team, then you might want to consider joining us.