Purpose

Simon Sinek tells us that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And the same applies for people working in your team. Creating a sense of purpose, which provides meaning and alignment, is crucially important and the focus of our Connects today.

What is Squadify Connects?

Punchy, actionable insights and tips to make the life of the team leader a breeze.

[00:00:00] Pia: Simon Sinek tells us that people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. And the same applies for people working in your team. Creating a sense of purpose, which provides meaning and alignment is crucially important and the focus of our Connects today. I'm Pia.

[00:00:16] Dan: and I'm Dan, and this is Squadify Connects.

[00:00:19] Purpose is often seen as the reason why you're doing what you're doing, and and it's beyond making money. It has an emotional connection and it's powerfully motivated for teams who believe that what they do can actually impact a higher order goal.

[00:00:35] Pia: So here's a couple examples to ponder on. Walmart's purpose is to save people money so that they can live better. Coca-Cola's is to refresh the world and make a difference. And Kellogg's one is to nourish families so that they can flourish and thrive.

[00:00:55] Often your organization will have a clear purpose or why as to why they do what they do. This is important to talk to your team about and to make a clear link between what they work on and how it impacts the broader purpose.

[00:01:10] Dan: This is called linking action with meaning and is something you can bring it into conversations in your one-on-ones, your team meetings, or perhaps looking at back at what you've achieved and the difference you've actually made as a team. Getting the team to see the value they deliver helps connection, team spirit builds a sense of achievement and pride.

[00:01:29] Pia: If your organization doesn't have a stated purpose, you can get the team together to discuss these questions. What inspires you to work here? What difference do you think we will make and why is that important?

[00:01:44] Dan: A little hack is also to ask your team what would happen if this team didn't exist. It almost allows people to really think about the broader impact that they're having on the organization and the world as a whole. So get your team to put their ideas on post-Its and decide which are similar and most important, remember to think outside in, ask them how it makes them feel. Purpose is closer to the heart than to the brain.

[00:02:09] Pia: Purpose can be a really uniting force as it taps into our motivations and values. Knowing what drives your team and making a shared collective and powerful purpose is a key step in building a unified direction. Next week we'll bring more of the head into the picture and define what a strong vision can be and how to make one if you don't have it. See you next time.