The brilliant leadership writer and thinker Jim Collins of “Good to Great” fame states : ‘A Core Purpose is your reason for being, it captures your soul, with the primary role to guide and inspire. You cannot fulfill a Purpose, it is like a guiding star on the horizon, forever pursued but never reached’. Your personal values are a derivative of your purpose and they are the rules which guide your behaviour. However your core beliefs will influence and also restrict you from achieving what you are truly capable of, if you let them. Whilst purpose and values rarely change in life, limiting beliefs are far easier to get at and therefore far more easily changed for the better. But to be able to influence your limiting beliefs and really have a positive effect on your performance you must first understand your purpose.
I love the line “Many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it is not fish they are after.” by Henry David Thoreau. And I see businesses and individuals who don’t understand the catalytic effect of understanding and defining their purpose. Key to being successful in life is knowing what your purpose is. Once you have ascertained that you can start to identify and recognise your personal or organisational values. By defining them you develop a real understanding of who you are and why you behave like you do either individually or as an organisation. Recruiting mistakes often arise because organisations do not understand or publish their values. When an individual’s values match those of the organisation real synergy, engagement and empowerment ensure that they perform above expectation, are loyal and dedicated to their work.“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Great organisations know and are true to their purpose. Happy individuals know and recognise their purpose. Do you know and understand why you are in business? Do you know what your business will deliver into your life? Are you sure you should be fishing?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, come along to our business breakfast in Exeter and find the answers you need! http://whyinbusiness.eventbrite.co.uk or watch my video