In this era of Millennials in the workforce, the concept of purpose has resurfaced as an important consideration both personally and professionally.
Personally, it is comparatively simple to establish if we reflect on who we are, who we want to be, what we want to be associated with, and how we want to be remembered. Using these markers, we can begin to establish what we value and where our purpose lies. Purpose is also important at work. We have found that employees want more than a job. Motivation, in the long-term, hinges more on achieving a sense of purpose than on short-term perks and monetary success. When we facilitate strategic plans, creating the vision and establishing the values are often the most discussed parts of the plan. Once these are established, everything else falls in place more easily.
How do you know if there is a sense of purpose at work? Does your organization have a vision with concrete plans toward central goals? Are they common knowledge? Are they a part of your performance review? Is there community concern and social impact? And is your organizational working culture aligned with these goals?
If your answers are an emphatic “yes,” you have a sense of purpose at work. If not, there is work to be done both organizationally and individually!