I recently completed a three-week course (Sustainable Business Strategy) at Harvard Business School (Online). If I were asked to use one word to summarize what the course facilitated by Prof Rebecca Henderson (author of Reimagining capitalism in a world on fire) is all about, my answer will be: purpose.  Purpose can enable individual firms to cooperate with others to solve society’s big problems. When a company is purpose driven, it will support the development of inclusive institutions, focus on long term gains rather than short term profit and be committed to social and environmental justice. However, all these cannot be done without purpose driven leaders or employees. The good thing is that purpose is becoming more important to employees. According to a recent strategy survey, employees consider purpose more than twice as important a motivator as compensation and career. What about you? Are you purpose driven? To be purpose driven, you must first discover your purpose. The Westminster Shorter Catechism reveals the general purpose of every person. It says “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.” i.e., your purpose is to bring glory to God by who you are and what you do. I have also discovered that when we believe in Jesus and obey Him, it is very easy to be purpose driven and live a life of purpose.

“If you manage a company on trust and strategy you will get a firm that will outperform like you wouldn’t believe. Purpose is fundamental to reimagining capitalism.” Rebecca Henderson

Few months ago I sat down with Pastor Gbenga Ojo (Senior Pastor of Pacesetter Church, South Africa and a mining industry executive & a management consultant) to talk about Life purpose versus career. Find time watch and join the conversation.