Does your company live up to why it exists?
Having a purpose is not enough; what matters is realizing its potential
Today, “purpose” is discussed ad nauseam by people around the business world. The zeitgeist around purpose-oriented companies risks being counterproductive, as too many companies become satisfied with declaring and publicizing their purpose rather than the more important work of living up to it. While discussing purpose is a positive step beyond just talking about profit at all costs, purpose is unfulfilled intention that doesn’t satisfy anyone for any length of time: not the employees, customers, leaders, or investors that purpose initiatives typically aim to serve.
Declaring why your company exists is a good start, but many companies are struggling with the challenging and expansive work of living up to it. Here are four considerations to realize potential.