Every organization has a pool of change agents that usually goes untapped.
A higher purpose is not about economic exchanges… It explains how the people involved with an organization are making a difference, gives them a sense of meaning, and draws their support.
Robert E. Quinn, co-founder, Center for Positive Organizations, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and V. Thakor, director of doctoral programs, Olin Business School at Washington University
Takeaways of Note:
8 steps to build a purpose-driven organization and to help the team embrace purpose…
1. Envision an inspired workforce – Look for excellence, examine the purpose driving the excellence, imagine it imbuing your entire team.
2. Discover the purpose – you do not invent a higher purpose; it already exists; discover it through empathy— ask provocative questions, listen, and reflect.
3. Recognize the need for authenticity – it drives every decision; “You judge people not by how much they give but by how much they have left after they give.” (Jimmy Dunne)
4. Turn the authentic message into a constant message – team members recognize a leader’s commitment, begin to believe in the purpose, and reorient. Change is signaled from the top, and unfolds from the bottom.
5. Stimulate individual learning – team members actually want to think, learn, & grow; learning & development opps are powerful incentives.
6. Turn midlevel managers/team leaders into purpose-driven leaders – to not only know the organization’s purpose but also deeply connect with it and lead with moral power.
7. Connect the people to the purpose – top-down mandate does not work, team members need to help drive this process
8. Unleash the positive energizers – “energizers” go out, share ideas, and return with feedback & new ideas. They tell the truth & openly challenge assumptions.
Bonus Nugget:
“People who find meaning in their work don’t hoard their energy and dedication. They give them freely, defying conventional economic assumptions about self-interest. They grow rather than stagnate. They do more—and they do it better.”