Why do business need a philosophical heartbeat

Why do business need a philosophical heartbeat

Why do business need a philosophical heartbeat

Create a compelling purpose – A philosophical heartbeat

Most businesses have a mission statement and some even have vision or value statements. But despite the importance of defining a purpose for the business, few companies have developed business purpose statements.

Engaging employees with a compelling reason

But must organizations have a compelling purpose? – and what does that mean? Aren’t there already a host of labels out there that describe organizational direction?

  • A vision statement says what the organization wishes to be like in some years’ time
  • The mission describes what business the organization is in (and what it isn’t) both now and projecting into the future. Its aim is to provide focus for management and staff.
  • Values describe the desired organizational culture

Why do business need a philosophical heartbeat

So how does purpose differ from all the above? Why do business need a philosophical heartbeat? The reality is that people care less about working for a company and much more about working for a compelling cause.

Let’s have a look at some “philosophical heartbeats” that connects with the heart as well as the head:

Turning moments into memories for our guests – Fairmont Hotels

The Ritz-Carlton is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Nourishing families so they can flourish and thrive – Kellogg food company

Empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business – Financial services company ING

The needs of the patient come first – Mayo Clinic

To make the property process simple, efficient, and stress free for people buying and selling a property – REA Group

Caring for the world … one person at a time – Johnson & Johnson

Without a statement, the company will lack soul

Purpose – which should last at least 100 years – should not be confused with specific goals or business strategies – which should change many times in 100 years. Yet although purpose itself does not change, it does inspire change. The very fact that purpose can never be fully realized means that an organization can never stop stimulating change and progress.

A compelling purpose provides direction and a way for everyone to see how they connect to the larger whole. When people understand how they fit and what their role is, the company create a new sense of engagement.

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About The Author

Torben Rick

Experienced senior executive, both at a strategic and operational level, with strong track record in developing, driving and managing business improvement, development and change management. International experience from management positions in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and United Kingdom

Blog Comments

Hi Torben

Agree, every company needs it, without a reasonable purpose and philosophy your business is just another business among millions out there.

So yes just we feel empty without any compelling philosophy/purpose in our lives the same emptiness will prevail in a business that doesn’t have a clear philosophy and purpose, their employees won’t know what they stand for, why they stand and how should they engage their target audience.

Likewise its custoemrs won’t have much idea, what this business stands, how it resonates with them emotionally…

Antonio Damisio a professional neurologist and well known expert around the world has concluded after ton’s of experiments that human beings are emotional beings, they may claim to act rationally but their each and every decision is based on emotions.

According to his conclusion, we can’t even decide between a cup of coffee or cold drink without emotions. Do read his research/work , you may learn a lot from him.

Have a nice day ?

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