The Essential Steps to Business Success—Step Six

The Essential Steps to Business Success—Step Six

Marathon runners know the fuel their bodies need to go the distance. No one attempts a long-distance run without the right energy to burn. For business owners, and their employees, that fuel is purpose—our sixth step in business success.

Step Six—A Higher Purpose or Cause to Believe In

Meaningful work or something to believe in is a powerful motivator for not only business owners but also the individuals they employ. We spend most of our waking hours working, so our work should be something we believe in, and something that will make a difference in our lives as well as the lives of our employees and our customers.

Human beings are wired for purpose and meaning. Once we get past Maslow’s basic needs on his hierarchy—food, clothing, shelter, and safety—we get to the need for connection and meaning. In order to have connection and meaning we need to be involved with an organization that creates an environment with common vision and purpose, or something bigger than ourselves, to believe in. Yes, individuals in our companies want to make money, but they also want to make a difference. When a business can answer this need for meaning and connection, employees win and the business wins.

What makes a business work is the why—the higher purpose and cause. Why we do what we do gives us the fuel to get through the inevitable ups and downs. It also provides fuel to our employees to persevere and compete at a higher level. Any business can work as long as everyone in the organization has the passion and intensity to keep going even in tough times. Since running a business takes tremendous energy, we need that vision of something bigger than ourselves to give us reasons and energy to scale the obstacles we face along the way.

What are your vision, mission, and values? Do they create something bigger than you and your organization to strive for? How will you make a difference?

If you are struggling with creating an empowering vision of the future, one that staff and employees can strive for, we can help you.

garyfurr@garyfurrconsulting.com