The business world gets crazier every day - stock markets going nuts, banks on the brink of closing, wondering if our 401k accounts will be around for retirement and politicians worrying about lipstick on a pig! It causes one to reflect on life and examine why do we do the things we do.
Since we spend most of lives at work, does it not make sense that we find purpose and meaning at work. Even better, that the company we are employed at is purposeful in its business. Yes, that purpose has more meaning than the all mighty dollar (with the understanding that business success comes from a profit - I think we all know this).
I just recently heard my good friend Kim Jordan, the founder and CEO of New Belgium Brewing (Fat Tire Beer), once again speak to the fact that purposeful organizations do exist. New Belgium is based on three fundamental issues that center on purpose:
- Stewardship of the environment
- Promoting beer culture
- Having fun
There is much more to the purpose based beliefs of New Belgium, but Kim boiled them down to these three. In just 19 years it has become the third largest craft brewer in the U.S.
This is a company of 300 employee owners that twice a year participates in the strategic planning process (a fact - I attended one several years ago), ownership is shared with the employees and ideas are encouraged and acted upon. They have instilled a higher purpose for business and in doing so, have created a place where individuals can pursue a higher purpose through the work environment.
There are other companies that have done the same or more. The key is that they are engaging their employees in running a business for a purpose bigger than the founder, the CEO or the managers. By focusing on a higher purpose it takes away the stigma of working for "the man" and gives meaning to work.
I know it works; I was a part of a company that did the same. I encourage you to ponder the thought of running a purposeful company instead of business. Good luck!
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