Overview
In the previous posts Untangling Purpose, Vision, Outcomes & Strategy - Parts I and II, we discussed purpose, vision, outcomes and strategy for companies. We learned that together, these concepts help tell a compelling and authentic story about your business. We also looked at how strategic outcomes and strategic planning go together to create a roadmap for achieving the vision.
Today we explore if and how these concepts apply to individual team members across the organisation.
Key Takeaways
Is It All Just Noise?
Are these just corporate buzzwords? If they are more than buzzwords, how do they apply to individual colleagues doing their day jobs as account managers, software developers or operations specialists?
Amidst economic uncertainty, choppy equity markets, war in Eastern Europe, a pandemic whose consequences still reverberate across the economy, big societal shifts, activist investors, and a labour market which continues to be relatively tight, it is understandable that companies as well as employees can get overwhelmed and confused. For many, this uncertainty, volatility, and complexity creates ambiguity and confusion about business priorities and allocation of their time and resources across the multiple areas needing attention.
Some view purpose, vision, outcomes, and strategy as unnecessary corporate noise that have little impact on the day-to-day work of many employees. However, understanding these concepts can make you a more valuable employee, help you navigate your career more intentionally and increase your chances of success at work.
Reviewing the purpose and values of the company and the team clarifies appropriate behavior, what’s rewarded and what’s discouraged. For example, a company whose values are grit and entrepreneurship operates quite differently in terms of pace and accountability compared to a company whose values are curiosity and excellence. Understanding the values and mission of companies can help you select an employer that is more closely aligned with your own values and preferences.
What's In It For Me?
Many employees struggle to find the link between what they hear in townhall meetings and their day-to-day work. They wonder how their work contributes to what the company has set out to achieve. Understanding the strategy and outcomes provides clearer indication of how your individual works contributes to the overall goals of the company. Is the company focused on growth or margin? Are they prioritising community impact or commitment to environmental benchmarks? The answers to these questions can guide you in selecting a role or a project that is core to the company’s strategy and delivers desired outcomes. And while there are always exceptions, generally, the closer your work is to the product or revenue, the more critical and secure your role is.
As the African proverb says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Alignment at works helps everyone stay on track and it establishes companies as specific brands that attracts a certain type of talent. Mission and values create company brands, which are strong and differ vastly from each other. It goes without saying that working at Tesla is very different from working at the Girl Scouts of America, and we believe that many people select an employer, based to a large degree, on the employer’s brand.
So, the next time you are in a “town-hall” or “all hands” meeting discussing the company’s purpose, mission, outcomes & strategy, take note. They may not only help you understand performance expectations, prioritise your work, and align you to your team, but they may help you select your next project that will earn you recognition, pay increase or a promotion.
How have your company’s purpose, vision, outcomes and strategy helped you in your career?
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How Alpin Partners Can Help
Talk to us about the services we provide that help companies build compelling visions and robust, outcome-focused strategy.