How to talk about your teams purpose without trying to be Simon Sinek

What is the purpose of your team and how do you start talking about it?

Last week I was delivering a leadership development program, we were crafting each leaders teams purpose.  For each team we defined a clear statement encompassing why are we here, what impact do we want to have and who is it for.  Then one of the leaders asked “how do I start talking about this without sounding wan&y?”

And it’s a fair question.

One day you are going along minding your own business at work the next day your leader comes in talking about purpose and north stars.  It sounds simple, but its not necessarily going to be what gets people to buy in.  Let’s face it, we can’t all be Simon Sinek.

We know a clear purpose is important for your team because it forms the foundation of where you are going and the collective “we” for your team.  This isn't just about setting goals or KPIs. It’s about answering the “why” behind what you do and that then informs your culture, behaviours, values and decision-making processes.

Without a clear purpose anything goes, and its hard to know which goals are the most important ones, particularly if they are taking you in different directions.

Having a clear purpose takes care of that decision making and allows you to ask “what is going to take us closer to fulfilling our purpose?”.  Focus on that and you can work on what matters most.

The magic of purpose lies in its power to align personal and organisational goals.  Teams with a clear purpose are more cohesive, resilient, and adaptable.

Starting the Conversation

So, how do we, as leaders, begin to weave this thread of purpose into the fabric of our conversations and our teams? It starts with a genuine dialogue that invites input, creates understanding, and builds consensus.

• Listen and Learn: Engagement is a two-way street. Listen to your team’s aspirations and concerns, know what they see as being important. Understanding everyones perspectives can help tailor the team's purpose to increase buy in.

• Co-create the Purpose: Involve your team in creating and refining the purpose. When individuals see their values and aspirations reflected in the team's purpose, it encourages commitment.

• Embed Purpose into Everyday Conversations: Let the purpose be the backdrop of all discussions, decisions, and concerns. Celebrate wins that embody this purpose and learn from setbacks that challenge it.

• Live the Purpose: Finally, embody the purpose in your actions. Leaders are the role models of purpose; when we live by it, we inspire others to follow suit.

The Ripple Effect

 The impact of a clear purpose extends beyond the confines of our people and teams. It shapes the culture of our organisations, influencing how we interact with our stakeholders and communities. It turns organisations into platforms for positive change and empowers employees to be the change they want to see.

Talking about purpose shows your team what you are passionate about.

Embarking on the Journey

 Crafting and communicating a clear purpose requires vulnerability, courage, and persistence. But the payoff is immense: a team that’s not just productive but passionate, not just efficient but motivated and inspired.

It’s important to remember that at the heart of every strategy, every decision, and every success, a clear purpose is needed. Every meeting or new initiative you put your energy into, should align.

Once you start talking about purpose it doesn’t stop.  Purpose conversations should be ongoing, not a one-time event.  It’s easy to drift from your purpose, revisit it regularly to reinforce the message and keep it front and center in everyone's mind.

As leaders let’s start those conversations. You can engage your team and leverage all of their strengths by creating a culture and environment crafted by a clear purpose.