When Purpose Flows Through Performance

If I were to ask your team the following question, could they answer it with confidence?

The question: How does what you do help achieve the mission of the organization?

Your team knows what they’re supposed to do. They received a job description when they were hired. Someone trained them on the particulars of how to do their job. A supervisor meets with them to coach, encourage, and correct. They know their tasks — but has anyone taken the time to help them understand how their daily work helps fulfill the greater purpose of the company?

There’s a famous story about President John F. Kennedy visiting NASA during the race to put a man on the moon. As the President walked through NASA’s headquarters, he encountered a custodian sweeping the floor. President Kennedy introduced himself and asked, “What is it you do here, sir?” The man replied, “Mr. President, I’m helping to put a man on the moon.” That custodian understood that what he did contributed directly to NASA’s mission.

Disney’s mission statement is simple: to make people happy. You can visit Disney World in Florida and ask any team member what the purpose of their job is, and they’ll tell you — it’s to make people happy. Whether they’re working on the next animated movie, designing a roller coaster, planning a parade, or improving character interactions, each person connects their daily work to that overarching purpose.

As the leader, slow down and connect your team’s efforts to the mission. Your team wants to know that what they do matters. Help them see the bigger picture of their purpose and role.

When onboarding a new team member, take the time to explain how they fit into the larger picture — how they’re a piece of a beautiful puzzle. Don’t just tell them what to do; help them understand why.

People grasp the what quickly. You’ll need to help them grasp the why. When they do, they’ll develop a sense of purpose. They won’t feel like lone rangers on isolated islands. When a team member understands why they’re doing what they’re doing, performance improves and passion grows. The work becomes less of a job and more of a calling.

Be like President Kennedy. Be like Disney. Connect the work to the why — and you’ll unlock passion and purpose.

Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,
Chris Adams

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