It doesn't matter what's wrong. Whether you have a fever, a broken arm, or a missing limb, a visit to the doctor always starts the same. After waiting, you are ushered into an empty room and asked to sit on a couch covered with what appears to be the world's loudest tissue paper. Then the examination begins. Независимо от ваших симптомов, медсестра всегда проверяет одни и те же основные показатели – температуру, артериальное давление и пульс. These few small measurements, your “vital signs,” give your doctor an instant picture of your overall health.
The Four Ps: In the business and professional world, the traditional “Four Ps” are like the vital signs your doctor takes every time you come in for a checkup. These are products, people, process and profit. Just as your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse give your doctor an idea of your overall health, the Four Ps will tell any good consultant or trainer the overall health of your business. Whether it's marketing problems, falling sales or impending bankruptcy, we know that if something is wrong, it needs to be looked into more deeply.
In the field of organizational health, the “four Ps” have been a constant source of discussion and insight throughout my coaching career. Whenever we work with a leader or organization seeking growth, we make sure to spend time examining the strength and resilience of each “P.”
Fifth P: The power of purpose. However, over the years I have made important changes in the way I approach these conversations. I still work on the traditional four, but now they form the second part of our work. The way we approach areas such as product and process is guided and in some sense determined by the fifth P: purpose. Purpose or purpose defines the “effect” of an organization. It goes beyond the what and the how and reaches into something deeper—if, in fact, there is something deeper.
Destination should be our starting point and anchor. Another way to think about purpose is to ask, “Why does your organization exist? What is the reason for its existence? Can you answer these questions? Have you looked at them? Whatever your answer, it must be about more than just a product, service, or profit. It should capture the essence of what motivates and motivates you to work—and work well.
Purpose or purpose, when properly formulated, is a powerful force in shaping an organization. It informs how you develop products, build processes and develop people. It even determines how you think about and use your profits. Unlike the other Ps, purpose has the potential for permanence. Market conditions may cause your offering to change. Technology can change your processes. Demographic shifts may dictate your approach to work. Purpose will not only survive these tensions, but will also shape your response to them.
If you are a person of faith, a follower of Jesus Christ, you can think of this as a “redemptive advantage,” starting with serving the Lord and then serving others. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that as a reward from the Lord you will receive an inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.” Our purpose must begin with using our gifts and abilities for the glory of God.
If we want to be effective “messengers for Christ, as if God Himself were exhorting through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20), we must strive to distinguish ourselves from competitors who do not want to follow Him. We must make our decisions and actions in the context of Jesus' command: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). What greater purpose could we have?
© 2023. Dr. Steven R. Graves describes himself as an organizational strategist, pragmatic theologian, and capitalist. He advises executives and business owners, as well as young entrepreneurs. He is the author of numerous books and articles, as well as a speaker. His website is www.stephenrgraves.com.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 37:3-6; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:19-21,33; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17
Difficult task
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, how much does your faith in Him influence the way you approach your work? If you feel this area requires some effort, professional or personal, who might you ask to help you develop a list of goals that will guide your decisions and actions in ways that glorify Him? Consider setting up a specific time and place where you can discuss this.
