As the purpose movement goes mainstream, the pressure for organizations to deliver on their purpose is high. An effective organizational purpose acts as the strategic north star for the organization. It defines how you make a difference to your customers and the world. Yet too often purpose gets slapped onto a T-shirt and relegated to HR or social responsibility teams and fails to deliver the financial return that copious amounts of research have shown is possible.
3 Mistakes That Stymie Corporate Purpose Initiatives
And how to avoid them.
December 01, 2020
Jo McRyan/Getty Images
Summary.
Many organizations are shifting to a purpose-driven strategy, which can be an effective north star in helping guide your employees. But purpose is only valuable when it’s real. So how do you ensure your purpose is more than a tagline? Three mistakes can stymie even the most well-intended efforts: 1) a lack of clear metrics to measure your progress; 2) failing to infuse purpose into your sales function; and 3) missing the opportunity to activate purpose in your employees.
New!
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Strategy Planning and Execution Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Strategy Planning and Execution. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to develop a winning strategy—and put it to work.