What came first, the purpose or the people? This is a question that has long been debated in the business world. Some argue that a clear purpose should be established before hiring the right people, while others believe that it is the people who create a purpose that drives the organization. But the truth is, both purpose and people are equally important for the success of any organization. It is a symbiotic relationship where one cannot thrive without the other.

We often hear about companies with a strong purpose, a meaningful mission that drives their every decision and action. These companies are usually highly successful, with passionate employees who are deeply committed to their work. On the other hand, we also hear of companies that seem to have lost their way, with employees who are disengaged and uninspired. It is clear that a strong sense of purpose has the power to attract the right people and drive an organization towards success.

But what exactly is purpose? It is more than just a mission statement or a set of values. Purpose is the core reason for an organization’s existence. It is the reason that drives employees to get out of bed every morning and come to work. It is the guiding light that helps organizations make decisions and stay true to their beliefs. Purpose is what gives employees a sense of meaning and fulfillment, knowing that their work is contributing to something greater than themselves.

When a company has a clear purpose, it attracts the right people – those who are aligned with its values and beliefs. These employees are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a cause to be a part of. They feel a personal connection to the company’s purpose and are willing to go above and beyond to help the organization achieve its goals. These are the people that bring a company’s purpose to life and make it a reality.

On the other hand, when a company lacks purpose, it struggles to attract and retain top talent. Employee turnover rates are high because employees do not see a reason to stay. They do not feel connected to the company’s mission and do not see how their work is making a difference. This not only affects the company’s bottom line but also its culture and morale.

But can an organization have a purpose without the right people? The answer is no. While a strong sense of purpose can attract the right people, it is the people who ultimately bring that purpose to life. It is up to the employees to fully embrace the purpose and live it every day. Without their commitment and passion, the purpose remains just words on a page.

For a company to truly thrive, it needs both purpose and people. They go hand in hand and depend on each other for success. It is essential to have a clearly defined purpose to attract the right people, but it is equally important to have the right people on board to bring that purpose to life.

So, how can an organization ensure that it has both purpose and people? It starts with leadership. Leaders play a crucial role in creating and communicating a clear purpose to their employees. They need to be passionate about the purpose and live it themselves to inspire others. It is also essential for leaders to hire people who are aligned with the purpose and provide them with opportunities to contribute to it.

Another way to ensure that both purpose and people are at the heart of the organization is through a strong company culture. When the purpose is embedded in the culture, it becomes a part of the daily operations and decisions. A positive and supportive culture also helps attract and retain the right people, as employees want to work in an environment where they feel valued and connected to the company’s purpose.

In conclusion, the debate of whether purpose comes first or the right people is like asking which came first, the chicken or the egg? They are both essential and depend on each other for an organization to thrive. A clear purpose helps attract the right people, and it is the people who bring that purpose to life. So, let us focus on both purpose and people, and create thriving organizations with a strong sense of purpose and passionate employees.