Beyond the Fish: Why Purpose is Your North Star
Ever heard the old saying, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"? It’s a classic for a reason. But what if we're not just talking about fish, but about a deeper, more profound kind of sustenance?
I was recently reminded of this while re-reading a gem from John Yokoyama and Joseph Michelli, When Fish Fly: "Our vision is large enough and clear enough that it guides our staff in day-to-day operations. It generates a more meaningful reality for all of our employees. They aren’t simply fish salespeople; they are agents of change. Anyone can sell fish - few can make a world-famous difference while doing it."
That quote? It hits different. It perfectly encapsulates what we're building at Purpose Group. We're not just in the business of buying and growing companies. We're in the business of transformation. We believe, fundamentally, that business should be a force for good in the world. And to truly make a difference, you need more than just a product or a service; you need a reason for being that resonates deep within every person on your team.
Think about it. Are your employees simply "fish salespeople," going through the motions, or are they "agents of change," fueled by a clear, compelling "why"? The difference isn't subtle; it's seismic. When people understand their larger contribution, when they connect their daily tasks to a vision that truly matters, their work isn't just a job – it's a mission.
That's precisely where The Purpose Playbook™ comes in. It's a proven operating system, born from years of getting our hands dirty in the trenches of leadership and business. It’s how we help companies, once they join the Purpose Group family, unlock that deeper meaning and drive sustainable growth.
Here’s the high-level roadmap we follow:
Building a Trusting Leadership Team: This is ground zero. You can't lead where you won't go, and you can't build Purpose without trust at the core. We work closely with leaders, mentoring them to create an environment where focus and psychological safety thrive.
Defining PVTV™ (Purpose, Vision, Tenets, & Values): This is where the magic happens – crafting the "why." What's your organization's ultimate Purpose? What does success truly look like? What are the non-negotiables that guide every decision? When everyone's aligned on these, you create an unwavering north star.
Implementing The Great Game of Business: Once PVTV™ is locked in, we integrate open-book management. This isn't just about transparency; it’s about empowering every team member to understand the scoreboard, contribute to the wins, and share in the success. It transforms employees into owners, in spirit if not always in equity.
Empowering the Team: Ultimately, The Purpose Playbook is about creating self-sustaining, Purpose-driven teams. We provide the tools, the mentorship, and the framework, then we step back and let these empowered teams lead the charge, spotting opportunities and overcoming challenges.
We've seen it time and again: when a clear, compelling Vision guides daily operations, when every employee understands their role as an "agent of change" rather than just a "fish salesperson," businesses don't just grow; they flourish. They become places where meaning and profit aren't mutually exclusive, but rather deeply intertwined.
If you’re looking to move beyond just selling fish and start making a world-famous difference, it’s time to define your Purpose. It's time to unleash the power of your team.